NEW GLOUCESTER — The town’s bookkeeper submitted her resignation Monday, citing a hostile work environment after selectmen cut her hours in half two weeks ago and the town manager put her on probation for 60 days Monday.

Sandra Sacco, a 25-year employee of the town, said when she returned to work Monday after a two-week medical leave, Field said he was placing her on probation for 60 days.

“(Field) said I didn’t pay the accurate amount to SAD 15, but I sent a correction and paid for another month I had forgotten to pay. I reconciled that with the SAD 15 office by phone,” Sacco said Monday.

Late Monday morning, Sacco sent her resignation to Field.

“Effective today, November 25, 2013, I am giving my two weeks notice of employment. I feel that I am now being harassed by you and other Board of Selectmen members. You placing me on a 60-day probation as of today has now made it a hostile work environment for me.”

Field said he accepted her resignation, effective immediately.

He said he couldn’t talk about the issue.

“I need to be very careful what I say, it’s complicated,” Field said.

The bookkeeping responsibilities will be handled by two office staff members and Field, he said.

On Nov. 4, selectmen met in an executive session with the town attorney and voted in open session, that as of Jan. 2, the bookkeeper’s hours would be cut from 40 per week to no more than 24, and an interim finance director would be hired for six months.

The motion passed 3-2 with Linda Chase, Nate Berry and Chairman Steve Libby approving it and Josh McHenry and Mark Stevens opposing.

Last week, residents criticized the board’s action and questioned the legality of the the executive session.