RUMFORD - Jim Doar has decided not to request an extension of his contract when it comes due on June 12.

"I plan to be here until then, and will help in the transfer after that, if necessary," the town manager said Wednesday afternoon. Doar was 29 when he took the job last June.

The official announcement will be made at Thursday's selectmen's meeting. Doar told many of department heads about his decision Wednesday morning.

"I was hoping he would give it three years," said recently appointed interim fire Chief Richard Coulombe. "But with all that's going on, I'm not surprised. It's a shame he didn't get a chance to actually get started on what he was hoping to do."

Doar, an Aroostook County native, left a position as financial analyst for the state of New York to take job as Rumford's town manager in June 2007.

Greg Buccina, selectmen's chairman, said that although he is disappointed in Doar's decision, he wasn't surprised.

"He's a very professional and ethical young man. I was hoping it would not happen (ending his town manager duties)," said Buccina. "Rumford's loss will be another community's gain. Wherever he is, that community will be successful."

Buccina and others believe part of the reason Doar is leaving is the ongoing political turmoil in town. Doar would not say that.

"It's been a more-or-less enjoyable experience," he said. He said he's learned from his nearly one year on the job, such as not to take things personally and to be transparent and open about what's being done and why.

He said he is weighing options and would like to remain in municipal government and in Maine. He has three or four possibilities open.

"I've enjoyed this opportunity and I'm exploring other opportunities," he said.

Police Chief Stacy Carter, who had served several months as interim town manager when Steve Eldridge left in January 2007, said he wasn't overly surprised that Doar was leaving.

"I am saddened by it. He was providing good leadership. He has done a good job," said Carter. "It's a political atmosphere. I found in the short time I was there, it was hard to accomplish anything because of the complaints. I can only hope that they find someone with a good vision to go forward."

In the meantime, Carter said he will work to move his department forward and provide the best service possible.

Andy Russell, public works director, is disappointed and believes Doar could have made a positive difference in town.

"He's a good manager but the political turmoil, and spending a fair amount of time dealing with board issues, I don't blame him. He's been through a lot," he said.

Selectman Arthur Boivin said he believes no one is irreplaceable.

"That's his personal choice," he said.

Tax collector Carlo Puiia said he was shocked to learn about Doar's decision.

"I'm at a loss for words. I didn't see this coming," he said.

Selectman Brad Adley feels like he's not only losing a town manager, but a friend.

"The climate he's been working in has not been conducive to doing business. It breaks my heart that he's not going to be around. He could be a heckuva good town manager," he said.

Bradley added that as a selectman, he's involved in town business part of the time. For Doar, it's different.

"As a rookie selectman, it has been trying at times. But it's his life. He's there everyday. He's a professional," said Adley.

Selectmen Mark Belanger and Frank DiConzo did not return calls for comment.

Buccina said the board will likely get moving on plans to replace Doar when they meet Thursday.

In the past , that has included contracting with the Maine Municipal Association for assistance and forming a search committee.

Doar said he believes much was accomplished in his short tenure, including laying a foundation for regionalization and putting the town on a better financial footing.