Tarr judged, goals set

PARIS — After a months-long effort to conduct a six-month review of Town Manager Phil Tarr, the Board of Selectmen have publicly released a brief verdict.

In response to a citizen question during the most recent meeting of the selectboard, Chair Ray Glover said that Tarr has been found to be "good."

"The overall average summary evaluation was 'Good,'" said Glover, "which is 'competent and dependable level of performance. Meets performance standards for the job.'"

The board wanted to perform a six-month evaluation of Tarr, but it took months, and multiple closed-door sessions, to complete the task, which was complicated by the fact that the board also reviewed the criteria by which Tarr was to be judged.

Glover also read from a list of administrative goals that the selectboard set for the coming year.

"We did set a number of goals for the coming year, and we will divulge those," said Glover.

The goals signal a renewed effort on the part of the selectboard to be more involved with the day to day workings of the town.

Some of the goals had to do with the fire department.

"One goal is to resolve the disposition of the old fire station," said Glover. Another, said Glover, is "to give a fire department monthly report, that report showing work being done, money saved, and responses." The board also asked for a plan for long-term fire and police services.

The board also set fiscal goals, including the development of a capital investment plan.

"We stated that one of our goals would be to reduce our budget while maintaining the central services," said Glover.

Other goals that Glover cited were a road improvement plan, a sidewalk improvement plan, and joint meetings with Norway and Oxford selectmen.