Oxford County administrator placed on paid leave

PARIS — Oxford County Administrator Scott Cole said Monday he has been placed on paid administrative leave, pending a termination hearing.

He said the leave began Friday, but declined further comment.

Asked to confirm the action, Commissioner Timothy Turner of Buckfield said commissioners had been instructed by their attorney to not comment on Cole’s employment status.

Cole, who has served as county administrator since 2009, is also responsible for managing the Oxford County Regional Airport in Oxford.

Prior to becoming county administrator, Cole spent 10 years as the town manager in Bethel and also worked as manager in Standish and Belgrade.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, Cole has a bachelor’s degree in agriculture economics from Cornell University in New York and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Maine.