OXFORD — Residents want their next town manager to have qualities that include honesty, transparency, strong communication skills, experience in municipal government and, at least, a bachelor’s degree.

The Board of Selectmen held a second public hearing Wednesday night to learn what residents consider important attributes for a manager. The first hearing was on Saturday. 

Town officials said the job involves so much knowledge and various skills, they’re  considering hiring two people.

“We may end up getting two people involved in this whole thing,” said Interim Town Manager Rodney Smith. It was suggested that a town manager and an administrative assistant be hired.

Some residents expressed a desire to have a say in town happenings — something they believed was lacking with the previous town manager, Michael Chammings.

“I felt we were losing control of everything in town,” said Betty Wuori, the newest member of the Budget Committee. “We should have some say in this town when we pay the taxes.”

They also want someone who will hold the position for a while so they won’t have to go through this process over and over again.

A new requirement that the manager become a resident of Oxford within 12 months of being hired was enthusiastically agreed upon by selectmen and residents.

Resident Sharon Jackson, town manager of Fryeburg, was mentioned as someone whom residents would like to have as Oxford’s town manager. Jackson served as interim town manager after Jim Rhodes resigned in 2001.

However, Selectmen Chairman Scott Owens stressed the importance of finding the most qualified candidate and said he does not want to limit the search to just Oxford.

According to Selectman Pete Laverdiere, Oxford has the third largest Tax Increment Financing zone in Maine. A strong applicant would have experience working with the notably complicated TIF zones, as well as strong grant-writing skills, selectmen agreed.

Selectmen emphasized the enormity of the job.

“He’s responsible for the whole enchilada,” Laverdiere said.

Owens agreed, saying, “It’s a lot to keep everyone on track.”

Attending both hearings, besides Owens and Laverdiere, were Selectmen James Goforth and Roger Jackson. Scott Hunter was out of state and could not attend.

Selectmen plan to compile the comments and draft a job description at their next meeting Thursday, Feb. 18. Smith said he anticipates the process will proceed quickly after that and expects to receive a large number of applications.

capplegarth@sunmediagroup.net

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