Barre, Mass. – The Massachusetts Ethics Commission announced that Jason Pimental, who previously served as superintendent of the Barre Department of Public Works (DPW), will pay a $35,000 civil penalty for violating the state’s conflict‑of‑interest law. The penalty stems from Pimental’s admission that he performed hundreds of hours for state agencies while still drawing a salary for his municipal position.
Details of the violations
According to the commission’s agreement, Pimental worked as a heavy‑equipment operator for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) and logged more than 1,000 hours for the Department of Fire Services, all while being compensated by the town of Barre for his DPW duties. Payroll records show he earned roughly $153,000 last year from the MWRA alone.
The Ethics Commission described the conduct as a “flagrant violation of the conflict of interest law,” noting that Pimental submitted timecards that listed only total hours worked, without specifying days or exact times. This lack of transparency allowed him to claim payment from both the state and the town for the same periods.
Local response and oversight changes
The investigation follows a 2024 NBC10 Boston “Small Town Secrets” report that first raised concerns about Pimental’s multiple full‑time jobs. Undercover video from that investigation captured Pimental operating heavy machinery for the MWRA while town payroll records showed he was also being paid to run the DPW.
Barre’s unique DPW oversight structure – a nine‑member commission rather than a traditional select board and town administrator – came under scrutiny after the report. One of the commissioners was Pimental’s father. In May 2024, Barre residents voted to abolish the DPW commission, replacing it with a more conventional governance model.
Reactions from town officials
Select Board member John Dixson questioned Pimental during a public meeting in August 2024 about his second full‑time job with the MWRA. In the recorded exchange, Pimental referred to his “bunch of full‑time jobs” and asked why the arrangement should be a concern.
Mark Regienus, another Select Board member who previously faced harassment allegations from Pimental, welcomed the accountability measures. “That is very important to me,” Regienus said. “I am going to do everything possible and will continue to do everything possible to make that happen. I won’t give up on it.”
State agency statements
A spokesperson for the Department of Fire Services confirmed that Pimental is no longer employed as a part‑time contractor with the agency. The MWRA spokesperson declined to comment on the conflict‑of‑interest findings or the civil penalty, but confirmed that Pimental remains employed by the agency.
The Ethics Commission also noted that Pimental approved roughly $15,000 in reimbursement payments from the town to himself for DPW‑related expenses, further compounding the conflict‑of‑interest concerns.
What this means for Barre taxpayers
Barre residents can expect increased oversight of municipal contracts and tighter controls on employee time reporting. The town’s decision to eliminate the DPW commission reflects a broader push for transparency and fiscal responsibility in local government.
While the $35,000 penalty does not directly reimburse taxpayers, the case underscores the importance of vigilant ethics enforcement and the role of state watchdogs in protecting public funds.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
