CHINA — A Maine town violated state law when it hired its former select board chairman to head its public works department and town transfer station.

The Morning Sentinel reports that Peter Foote, the former China select board chairman, has withdrawn from the appointed post. State law says a municipal official cannot be appointed immediately to a paid position that was created during his time in office. Town officials and Foote say they were unaware of the law.

Foote decided not to run for re-election this year. He says he had no intention of misleading residents. He says he had already decided not to run for re-election when he applied for the $49,000 job.

Town officials say the town remains in need of someone to oversee public works and the station.