RUMFORD – Selectmen agreed to listen to a proposal by a Maine Municipal Association representative in their search for a new town manager.

The board made the decision late Thursday after hearing a presentation by Selectman Jolene Lovejoy.

“This is one of the most significant things a board can do, hire a town manager,” she said.

Town Manager Robert Welch submitted his resignation late last month after serving 12 years. His resignation is effective by the end of December, or “the sooner the better,” he said.

“The MMA has people whose job it is to do town manager searches – headhunters, sort of,” added Lovejoy.

Plans are to have MMA official David Barrett speak with the board July 12, 13 or 14.

The proposal presented by Lovejoy states that the association will screen applicants, conduct background checks, prepare advertisements, develop a rating document and interview structure, and provide guidance to selectmen at a maximum cost of $4,500. This figure does not include the cost of advertisements in newspapers or other media.

“They will do as much or as little as you want,” added Lovejoy.

In the meantime, board members plan to draw up an assessment of what they want in a new town administrator.

Board Chairman Jim Thibodeau said he did not want direct public involvement.

“It would only prolong our mission,” he said.

However, he favors having residents tell board members the characteristics they would want in a town manager. He also urged people to provide input via letters that they may bring or mail to the Town Office.

Welch will set up an open date July 12, 13 or 14 for Barrett to appear before the board. The meetings, expected to take two or three hours, will begin at 6 p.m. in the conference room of the Municipal Building.

Welch, 62, has devoted his entire working career to the town of Rumford, with two years out to serve in Vietnam. He started as a public works employee, then was the highway superintendent for 24 years before being named town manager in 1992.

Although the MMA may be contracted to assist in the town manger search, the board of selectmen will have final say on who is hired.