NORTH ATTLEBORO -- The fate of former Health Agent Karl Drown will soon rest in selectmen's hands.

Selectmen will be asked to decide whether the board of health rightful ly fired Drown, or whether the embattled former health agent should be restored to his former posi tion.

It amounts to the next step in a grievance process filed by Drown's union.

Drown is hoping to win his job back by convincing the board he was unfairly fired by the board of health last month.

The board fired Drown, citing his attitude and problems with his per formance. Drown says he was unfairly tar geted because he supports fluorida tion, which a majority of the board opposes. The board denies Drown's assertion.

The grievance, filed by United Steelworkers of America, also seeks payment for all days of work missed since the termination hearing.

Drown's grievance has already been heard by the board of health and Town Administrator Judith Rob bins. Both denied his request.

Selectmen will now have to con vene a hearing on the matter.

Robbins met with Drown and union members last week to discuss the grievance. She notified Drown in a letter late last week that she con cluded the board of health acted property and within its authority when it voted to fire Drown.

`` As the elected body charged with administering the health depart ment, the board of health is entitled to review your performance and vote to terminate your employment. I see no reason for me to overturn their decision and must, therefore, deny your grievance,'' Robbins said in her letter to Drown.

Drown did not return a call for comment on Monday.

The union has not yet requested that the grievance be heard before selectmen, but is expected to do so shortly.

If the issue is not resolved to the union's satisfaction by selectmen, the decision can be appealed to a state arbitrator.