Board approves search schedule

PARIS — Selectmen officially launched the search for a new town manager Monday, approving the hiring schedule drawn up during a July 30 workshop.

According to the schedule, which is subject to change, the board intends to interview their top three candidates for the position between September 22 and 29, when the board plans to notify its choice. The start date for the new manager is set for January 7.

Jean Smart urged the board not to make their decision too quickly.

"I would urge you not go give the process the bum's rush," Smart said. "Because you're apt to end up with a bum."

"We have a schedule, because to not have one would leave us nowhere," explained Board Chair Sam Elliot.

"If we had selection we weren't particularly happy with, I'm sure we would extend it."

The board also voted down a motion to establish a search committee that would assist in the town manager search.

Board members generally agreed that hiring a town manager was one of the biggest responsibilities it had.

Selectmen said that they would prefer to conduct the search and hiring themselves, rather than use outside help from a committee.

The board did encourage citizens to bring the board any and all input they had in regards to the town manager search.

Selectman Bob Kirchherr said any correspondence could be sent directly to him.

In other news, the board:

• Heard an estimate on the new mil rate from assessor Jerry Samson. Samson estimated the rate would be $15.10, $1.20 more than the previous year.

• Authorized Elliot, as chairman, to speak on behalf of the board with Allan Bartlett to discuss the possibility of opening public access to Gravel Pit Road.

• Approved a loan with Androscoggin Bank to purchase a sidewalk tracker machine.

• Appointed James Hakala to the Policy and Procedure Committee, as an alternate to the Cemetery Committee and reappointed him to the Planning board.

• Appointed Paula Hakala to the Social Services Committee.

• Ratified Brad Frost as Paris Fire Chief, appointed William Buffington as Assistant Fire Chief and appointed Jonathan Longley as Second Assistant Fire Chief.