RUMFORD – About 25 residents and the Board of Selectmen welcomed newly appointed Town Manager James Doar to his first board meeting Thursday night.

Doar, a native of Aroostook County, came to Rumford from a budget analyst position he has held with the state of New York for several years. He replaces interim Town Manager Stacy Carter, who returns to his position as police chief.

Carter said the past few months have been an education for him, but he was looking forward to donning his bullet-proof vest and returning to his downstairs office.

Kevin Saisi, a resident who often brings issues to the board, questioned selectmen’s expenditure to take Doar out to lunch during his first day on the job, asked why Doar was not taking minutes of the meeting, a task he said that should be done by the town manager according to the charter, and other topics.

“I’m bringing these up tonight because we have a new town manager,” he said.

Selectmen Chairman Jim Rinaldo, who was conducting his last meeting because he has chosen not to seek another term, said the board would look into Saisi’s concerns.

In other matters Thursday, selectmen granted permission to the Rumford Elks Lodge to use Veterans Memorial Park on Thursday, June 14, to conduct its annual Flag Day ceremony.

Tax Collector Carlo Puiia presented a report on property taxes that have not been paid and are considered uncollectible.

He said 19 defunct businesses owe about $5,700. He asked that the board grant abatements, which they did.

Other items up for discussion included a warrant article that deals with residential building codes that voters will act on at next Tuesday’s election and approval of the annual auditor’s report.

The board was scheduled to enter into two closed sessions at the end of the public portion of the meeting to discuss police negotiations, and to take up a personnel complaint.