Brockton's CFO named finalist for Barnstable County administrator

BROCKTON — Brockton's chief financial officer, Troy Clarkson, is a finalist for a new job as administrator of Barnstable County.

For nearly a year, Clarkson has been centerstage as Brockton wrestles with a budget crisis. The revelation last August that Brockton Public Schools had spent at least $14.4M more than budgeted has state officials watching every penny the city spends with an eye to a state takeover of the schools, the city or both.

Clarkson is one of six finalists to run Cape Cod's regional government. The Barnstable Board of Regional Commissioners is scheduled to interview Clarkson on Thursday, according to a meeting agenda .

Clarkson could not immediately be reached for comment.

Mayor Yunits once held job Clarkson seeks

If hired, Clarkson wouldn't be the first Brockton city executive to take the job. Former Brockton Mayor Jack Yunits had the role for five years until he stepped down in 2021.

The commissioners plan three days of interviews, with two candidates each day. Redacted versions of their resumes will be posted on the regional government's website after each interview, said Robin Young, executive assistant to the Board of Regional Commissioners.

The job ad for Barnstable County administrator lists a salary range of $180,000 to $210,000. Clarkson grossed $186,481 as Brockton CFO in financial year 2023.

What other jobs has Clarkson had?

Clarkson has deep experience in municipal government , some of it rocky. He served as town manager for Bridgewater from 2010 to 2012, a tenure marked by power struggles between Clarkson and Bridgewater town councilors . Clarkson then took the same job for Hanover. His five years in Hanover included nearly being fired by that town's elected leaders .

Clarkson went into private consulting before former Mayor Bill Carpenter hired him in 2019 as Brockton's top financial manager.

Outside of his daily work with city budgets, Clarkson is a columnist for the Enterprise of Falmouth , where he lives. The spring, the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce named him their Man of the Year . He is active on social media , where he urges people to be thankful. He is also the author of books including "365 Ways Not to Be a Dung Beetle" and a singer .

Clarkson's wife, Donna Buckley, holds high office on the Cape. She is sheriff of Barnstable County . She's the first woman elected to the job.

Send your news tips to reporter Chris Helms by email at CHelms@enterprisenews.com or connect on X at @HelmsNews .

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Brockton's CFO named finalist for Barnstable County administrator