DIXFIELD — Alicia Conn said she’s aware of the responsibility she carries as the new town manager and is grateful for the confidence selectmen have shown in signing her to a three-year contract.

In an email Saturday, Conn said she viewed the board’s accolades as “an endorsement of why they felt I was qualified to take on this challenge. Of course I do feel pressure regarding expectations from all sides, I imagine that anyone in a position like this would. It is a serious undertaking with a great deal on the line and I am aware of that weight every day.”

The board voted 4-0 Jan. 24 to approve the contract that includes an annual salary of $62,500 for the six-month probationary period and $65,000 after that. The contract includes health insurance, Chairman Norman Mitchell said.

Conn has been working in the Town Office since March 1, 2021, and held the positions as deputy treasurer/deputy town clerk and deputy tax collector. She was named interim town manager Nov. 22, replacing James McLamb, who was terminated Nov. 5 after six months of service.

On Jan. 10, the board voted to hire Conn as permanent town manager, contingent on a negotiated contract and a clean background check.

Conn said the best part about working in Dixfield has been working with and getting to know the townspeople, she said.

“One of the most satisfying aspects of my job is helping people to better understand the more intricate municipal processes and seeing how that knowledge can impact their lives,” she said in her email. “I have learned a lot working behind the counter and I feel it is my duty to pass that along to others.”

“I would like to thank the employees and volunteers who have continued to work very hard in these unprecedented times, whose numerous contributions to Dixfield are irreplaceable and I personally am incredibly grateful for their help and support,” Conn wrote.

Conn said she will post ads for deputy treasurer/deputy clerk/deputy tax collector.

“We did a pretty thorough background investigation, and her background check came back impeccable,” Selectman Richard Pickett said. “Everything checked out and we had a lot of good personal references. Also business references that gave her nothing but good accolades for her work ethic, initiative, her honesty — all of these things you look for in an employee.”

“One of her references made a comment, which I agree with, and that is they thought we had a diamond in the rough, and I think we do,” he said. “I think we’re fortunate to have her, accepting the situation that she did. We’re looking forward to working with her, and looking forward to having her for a long time, hopefully.”

Selectman Pete Holman added, “Another thing that impressed me was people not knowing each other, but yet having the same to say about her. Good, and it was all good.”

“With the experience she has, there’s going to be trainings,” Pickett said, “But the one thing, through anyone that she’s worked with, is the fact that she’s not afraid to ask questions and dig for information to be able to do the job and do it right. And she will ask instead of doing it haphazardly and have to go back and correct it.

“But it’s our job now to make sure that she gets the type of training that’s going to help her to be able to succeed at what she’s doing,” Pickett said. “And I think we’ve made a commitment to do that.”

Board member Ricky Davis said he frequents Ellis Variety in Dixfield often during the day and talks to people. “Some of the people said they’d been into the Town Office, and like Alicia a real lot. She was helpful. She got them the answers, and got them out of there in good time. That, to me, means something.”

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