RUMFORD – Thomas Carey of Rumford was appointed as town attorney Thursday night.

He replaces Jennifer Kreckel, who served in the position for more than 15 years and had sought reappointment.

In making the appointment, Town Manager Jim Doar said the board had made it clear that it wanted a change.

“That was the primary reason for appointing Tom Carey,” said Doar, who had said earlier that Kreckel had a great deal of institutional knowledge.

Prior to making the appointment, Doar said Carey had no municipal experience, but he felt it wouldn’t take long for him to be brought up to speed. He also said that although his pay rate is higher than Kreckel’s, he believed something would be worked out.

Carey served as town meeting moderator for at least 10 years.

The town sets aside $30,000 annually for legal expenses.

Four selectmen unanimously approved Doar’s appointment of Carey. Chairman Greg Buccina only votes if there is a tie. He said before the vote that he believed Kreckel had done an outstanding job for the town.

“She did a lot on her own and has given her heart and soul to this town. She deserves our support,” he said.

Reached by telephone Thursday night, Carey said he sought the position because he wants to help the town.

“The position was offered to me a number of years ago during a different phase in my life. I wasn’t interested then, but now I’m more involved in town affairs, either by choice or by being drawn in,” he said.

Carey has been involved in town charter issues during the past 18 months.

“I haven’t had town attorney experience, but I’ve probably sued the town more than anyone else,” he said.

As town attorney, he said his job is to render legal advice.

“They (selectmen) are there to tell me what they want. I will tell them what my interpretation of the charter and other ordinances is. It’s my job to inform them and let them make a decision,” he said.

Carey generally receives $175 an hour, while Kreckel’s hourly rate is about $100. However, Carey said he wouldn’t charge the town his usual rate as he learns the new job.

Buccina said Carey is familiar with the town’s budget process and that he appreciates his willingness to serve.

“It’s the season of change,” he said after the meeting, adding that he questioned why the board was willing to hire someone who was more expensive when members were concerned with fiscal responsibility.

He also plans to ask selectmen to honor Kreckel at a future meeting for all her years of community service.

Kreckel could not be reached for comment.