LIVERMORE FALLS — Selectmen decided Monday to hire consultant Michael C. Wing to conduct a search for a new town manager.

Wing has worked with the Maine Municipal Association and has placed more than 70 managers throughout the state.

By a vote of 4-1, with Chairman Bill Demaray voting no, the board first decided to not conduct its own search, Town Manager James Chaousis said Tuesday.

Chaousis will move to a town manager position in Boothbay as of Nov. 29.

Selectmen reviewed the four proposals gathered by Chaousis, including Wing’s proposal at a price of $4,700 for up to five meetings and two background investigations. After more discussion, the board voted unanimously to hire the consultant and create a subcommittee to help the process, he said.

The board expects to start the process with Wing at the next meeting planned for 7 p.m. Nov. 15 at the town office. Plans call for a discussion of what the board is looking for in terms of experience and skills. After advertising the position, Wing will review the applications and present the top applicants, those who meet the board’s criteria. The board then determines which candidates they will interview.

The board also discussed but made no decision on hiring an interim town manager to cover the period from when Chaousis leaves until the new manager is hired.

Although Town Clerk Kristal Flagg served as interim manager previously, a couple selectmen wanted to look at all candidates before making a decision, he said. They charged Chaousis with searching for other available management. The matter is also on the agenda for next Monday’s meeting.

The board went into executive session to discuss salary compensation for the interim but took no action, he said.

In other business, the board was given a 29-page rough draft of a police study completed over the last couple months. A final draft, including Chaousis’ recommendation to meet with the Androscoggin County commissioners to create a contract for Livermore Falls voters to decide on, is expected to be discussed next week, he said.

The draft includes potential options, including a discussion of the pros and cons of consolidating with Jay, investing in the town’s Police Department or contracting with the county for services.

After voters gave the green light during the 2010 town meeting to investigate contracts with law enforcement agencies, three open houses and three informational meetings have been held to provide the opportunity for residents to voice what they would like to see.

Public participation amounted to about 1.7 percent of the population, or 55 citizens, responding by e-mail, phone, letters or during the public meeting, Chaousis said.

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