SABATTUS — Town Manager Anthony Ward announced at the Board of Selectmen meeting Tuesday night that the town is beginning the process of hiring a new police chief. 

Former Chief Gary Baillargeon retired Nov. 23 after two and a half years as chief and eight years with the town’s Police Department.

Lt. Sheila Wetherbee has been appointed the acting police chief until a permanent replacement is found. 

The board also unanimously approved a new three-year contract for Ward. His previous contract expired at the end of November. 

The main change to his contract was the pay rate, which went up 4 percent based on manager salaries in neighboring towns. Going forward, any raise he receives will be based solely on merit. 

Ward said the town is hoping to start the police chief interview process by February. 

“We hope to have resumes submitted and reviewed by Feb. 1 and we hope to do oral board interviews, depending on the number of qualified applicants, Feb. 25 and 26,” Ward said. 

In other business:

* A one-year contract extension was approved between the town and the Androscoggin County dispatch center. Board Chairman Mark Duquette said the rate has stayed the same from last year to now. 

* Resident Bruce Leavitt was appointed to fill the vacant position on the Sabattus Sanitary board of trustees. 

* The board approved a liquor license renewal for Sabattus Disc Golf. Owner Peter Ruby said this is the second year they’ve applied for a liquor license, and they are vigilant about monitoring customers’ alcohol levels. 

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