DIXFIELD – Selectmen plan to begin advertising for a new town manager within the next couple of weeks.

Vice Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Brad Dyer said Tuesday afternoon that Town Manager Tom Richmond and selectmen’s Chairwoman Bettina Martin are expected to meet on the matter within the next few days.

Richmond tendered his resignation Monday night. He is leaving for a similar position in Carmel, west of Bangor. Richmond has served Dixfield for 20 months.

Richmond provided the board with 30 days’ notice, and as much as 45 days, if necessary. He begins his new job on Oct. 1.

Whether a citizens committee will be appointed to help in the selection procedure is not known, said Dyer, adding he was surprised that Richmond resigned.

“It saddens me quite a bit. He’s done a fine job as town manager. As town manager, he takes a lot of grief,” he said.

Selectman Norine Clarke said she wasn’t surprised that Richmond is leaving to head up Carmel. That town of 3,000 is about an hour from Richmond’s home in Tremont on Mount Desert Island.

“I knew he wanted to get closer,” Clarke said. “I wish him well.”

Richmond has been residing with a son who lives in nearby Livermore during the week, then driving to his home in Bass Harbor village on the weekends.

Dyer also said that taking the position in Carmel will be good for Richmond.

“It’s a better decision in the long run, a better opportunity closer to home,” he said.

Selectmen hope to get a suitable replacement as soon as possible.

Dyer said the job description for town manager may be reworked during the hiring process so that it is more fully aligned with the needs of the town.

“Let’s hope we can get it done quickly,” he said.

Richmond came to Dixfield from Steuben. He replaced Jeff Jacobson who returned to his home state of Minnesota.

Dyer said Mexico Town Manager John Madigan, who had also served as part-time town manager for Dixfield concurrently for a few months, and Dixfield Fire Chief Scott Dennett, acted as resources to selectmen during the selection process.

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