MEXICO – Selectmen from Dixfield and Mexico took a historic step Thursday night when they agreed to share the services of Mexico Town Manager John Madigan.
The two boards, who met in Mexico’s town hall, came to an amicable agreement that will have Madigan serve both towns on at least an interim basis, for the next few weeks.
Madigan will begin office hours in Dixfield on Monday.
“It’s incredible that we’re at this point. It’s a good thing for both towns,” Madigan said after a 90-minute closed-door session to work out a deal. “This is very significant and a huge step for both Dixfield and Mexico. It’s a commitment to at least try, and it has the potential to do more and better things.
Mexico Selectman Reggie Arsenault agreed.
“This is a positive vision for both towns. It’s a win-win situation,” he said.
Dixfield has been without a town manager since June 2 when Nanci Allard left for a similar position in Vermont.
Dixfield Selectman Tony Carter said his town will continue with its search for a new full-time manager. The position is currently being advertised with an application deadline of July 1.
He said it would be at least four to six weeks before the town would be interviewing potential candidates.
He, along with many on his board, support the idea of regionalism if it benefits the town.
Board Chairman Eugene Skibitsky said Madigan may become a permanent town manager for the two towns. It all depends on how business goes over the next few weeks.
“After we go through the interview process, we’ll decide whether to offer the job to someone else or to keep Madigan,” he said.
Carter said the board will discuss progress at their next meeting June 27, which Madigan will attend.
Terms of the agreement include a $62,000 pro-rated annual salary to be split by the two towns. Madigan was about to begin negotiating for a new contract with Mexico. He said $52,000 had been placed in the town manager account. Health insurance, social security and workers compensation contributions will be split as well.
If the agreement should become permanent, Madigan said the two boards would return to the table to discuss contributions to a retirement plan and other matters.
Madigan will be in Dixfield on Mondays, and afternoons on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. He will be in Mexico on Thursdays, and mornings on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. He said he will be available to the staffs by telephone when he is not in a specific office, and will be free to go back and forth if emergencies arise.
“This is very positive direction for the two towns to get our feet wet with possible regional things down the line,” Mexico Selectman George Byam said.
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