Unable to reach a contract agreement with Police Chief Richard Wells Jr., the selectmen voted unanimously not to renew his contract.

Wells’ last day as police chief is scheduled to June 30, the day his current contract expires.

At next week’s meeting, the selectmen are expected to appoint a search committee to assist in the selection process, as required by town by-law.

Tuesday night’s vote came after Selectmen Chairman Thomas Hurley read a lengthy statement detailing the board’s contract negotiations with Wells.

“We believe that a compromise with Chief Wells could have and should have been reached and that it was in the best interests of Milton that the board and Chief Wells settle this matter,” Hurley said. “We regret an agreement has not been reached.

In an interview following the meeting, Wells said that it was made clear to him early in the negotiations that the board was not interested in renewing the contract.

Wells said he was told the board wanted a “change in direction” in the department.

Read the full story in the Patriot Ledger: http://www.patriotledger.com/article/20151118/NEWS/151115412