SABATTUS – Selectmen hope to hire a new emergency management director, writing grants for the town and working with Androscoggin County officials, within two weeks.

On Tuesday, the five-member board met behind closed doors to discuss EMA director Andre Marquis. After the 21-minute executive session, selectmen voted to back Town Manager Gregory Gill’s recommendation to remove Marquis.

Both selectmen and Gill declined Thursday to talk specifically about Marquis’ termination from the job, which paid a stipend of less than $1,000 per year.

“There were a number of factors,” said William Henshaw, chairman of the board of selectmen. “It is an important position.”

The position, mandated by the county, helps bring money to the town that in the form of grants. The director writes a variety of grant applications and reports. The director must also be available in the case of a disaster, large or small.

Marquis has worked in the job since March.

Selectmen have applauded him for his work during spring rains that washed out several roads, Gill said.

The Sun Journal was unable to reach Marquis for comment.

Selectmen plan to begin their search for a new director by talking with someone who was a candidate during the last search, Henshaw said. If the candidate is still interested, a new director could be in place quickly.

Until then, Assistant Director Chris Morin will hold the job in an acting capacity, Henshaw said.

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