TOWN OF LOUISVILLE, New York (WWNY) – A highway superintendent in St. Lawrence County calls it quits, claiming the place he works has a toxic work environment.

William Shirley’s term as Louisville town highway superintendent runs through 2027, except he’s resigning from his position at the end of this month.

“I’d like to thank them for giving me a chance to do it, and I’m sorry I’m leaving,” he said.

Shirley’s resignation letter outlined his reasons, saying one worker makes for a toxic work environment. He claims that the worker makes derogatory comments that have allegedly been heard by leaders in neighboring towns.

“He’s a hell of a good worker, fun to be around, fun to be around, but when you’re not around, he’s stabbing you in the back,” said Shirley.

Shirley’s letter says three other highway department workers have quit, too.

Shirley says town Supervisor Larry Legault knows about it, but nothing has been done, and documents an apparent rocky relationship with Legault. At one time, Shirley says Legault yelled at him over the phone, telling him he “wasn’t working hard enough.”

“On big jobs and stuff, I’m there helping the guys,” said Shirley.

Lastly, and what Shirley calls the tipping point, a town budget proposal that reduces Shirley’s pay by $5,000 due to the removal of an insurance buyout.

“Two people on the board decided that I didn’t need it or didn’t deserve it, and they wanted to take it away. I don’t know why, and that was the final straw,” he said.

Legault said he can’t comment on the allegations, but did want to tell residents the town already has someone in mind to take over the highway department.

A vote on it could come at the next town board meeting.

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