SABATTUS — Town Manager Tony Ward appointed Gary Baillargeon as chief of police at Tuesday’s Board of Selectmen meeting.

Baillargeon, surrounded by family and friends, will begin his duties immediately.

A hiring committee of three police chiefs, none affiliated with Androscoggin County, and two residents of Sabattus chose Baillargeon head and shoulders above the others, Ward said.

Selectman Guy Desjardins said Baillargeon was a good man who knows how to handle success and diversity based on his previous role as detective sergeant.

Spencer Teixeira of Lewiston was appointed as a patrol officer, effective immediately.

In other news, the board agreed to maintain litigation with the Androscoggin County commissioners, despite recent communication sent by the commissioners justifying their lack of cooperation or mediation with the municipalities.

The board agreed to continue town policy to not accept requests for taxpayer-funded charitable contributions for the fiscal year 2017 budget.

David Marsters Sr., Jeff Baril and Ray Doyon were appointed to the Planning Board.

Selectman J.P. Curran suggested having a workshop, outside of the usual selectmen meeting, for the board to discuss the mission and visions of the town for the upcoming fiscal year. Ward will schedule the workshop for a Tuesday in February.

Refreshments were served after the meeting to recognize the accomplishments of Baillargeon and Teixeira.

The next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall.

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