DIXFIELD – Eugene Skibitsky was on the job at 8 a.m. Wednesday morning.

The new town manager, who had served as a selectmen for nine years beginning in 1998, is now taking on town management.

“It’s a huge learning curve, and I have a lot to learn about being a manager. Fortunately, I have a great Board of Selectmen and a very supportive staff,” he said as Chairwoman Bettina Martin helped him through municipal paperwork Wednesday morning.

Skibitsky left his position as general manager of Western Maine Transportation Services to go to work for his hometown. For about 30 years he worked for the private, nonprofit corporation that provides public transportation in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties.

He was chosen from a pool of 15 men and women from in- and out-of-state who applied for the job.

Former Town Manager Tom Richmond left for a similar job in Carmel at the end of August.

Skibitsky and his wife, Leslie, who sits on the SAD 21 board, have lived in Dixfield for more than 30 years. They are originally from Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y.

Martin said Skibitsky was hired at a salary of $45,000 annually. He will be evaluated at the end of six months. Richmond was earning $50,000 when he left Western Maine Transportation Services.

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