MECHANIC FALLS — The Town Council decided at an emergency meeting Thursday to contact four people who may be interested in serving as interim town manager.

The names were provided by the Maine Municipal Association so the town could have someone under contract after May 31, the last day of Town Manager Zakk Maher’s service.

Maher submitted his resignation April 1 and it was accepted by the council April 6.

The council agreed to hire an interim manager because MMA advised it could take several months to find someone to fill the position permanently.

“This is all new to us, we’re trying to do it right,” Vice Chairwoman Tarsha Downing said.

The council scheduled a workshop Thursday evening, April 29, to develop a list of questions for candidates, including input from town employees.

Members decided to initiate a search for a manager after they fill the interim position. Several recruitment agencies have submitted proposals to assist in the search.

The council tabled a request by member Paula Stotts to amend the town charter, which stipulates the town manager must become a resident of the town within nine months of their appointment, unless the council wishes to extend that time. Her amendment would have deleted the residency requirement.

Prior to the meeting, a moment of silence was observed for former Councilor John Emery who died  this week. He resigned from the council April 2.

The council will appoint someone to finish Emery’s term, which ends in June 2022.

Residents interested in the position should obtain the application from the town clerk.

Due to state requirements, the vacancy could not be included on the June municipal’s referendum ballot.

In other business, the council approved a $500,000 road paving bond and awarded the contract for 13 streets to Spencer Group Paving of Turner.

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