RUMFORD — The Board of Selectmen will meet Wednesday to “develop a plan to hire a town manager, long term,” according to Chairman Chris Brennick.

The 5:30 p.m. workshop will take place in the conference room downstairs in the Municipal Building.

The board voted 4-1 on Jan. 2 to fire Town Manager Linda-Jean Briggs, without cause, in accordance with her contract. Briggs, who was in the first year of a three-year contract, was suspended with pay on Dec. 14.

The workshop originally was scheduled to discuss the level of service for public works. However, the board agreed with Brennick’s assessment that a discussion about the town manager position was the priority at this time.

The continuing role of acting Town Manager Stacy Carter, who is the police chief, will also be discussed, Brennick said.

On Friday, Finance Director Deb Laurinaitis said Brigg’s six months of severance pay totals $40,999.92.

In an email statement on Jan. 3, Brennick wrote, “The board put a great deal of time into thinking about a path forward and considered a great number of factors in coming to our decision. Being in the budget season makes it important we have a good plan in place and was one of a multitude of factors considered.”

He added, “This was an incredibly difficult decision for the board to make. It was not rushed nor was it something the board took lightly. We remain committed to doing what is needed to maintain Rumford’s forward momentum. I am fully aware and understand that this is a time of high emotions, but we must seek to understand one another to build a stronger community. This is where we all live, and we must find common ground for our path forward.”

bfarrin@sunmediagroup.net

Rumford Board of Selectmen Chairman Chris Brennick, left, and acting Town Manager Stacy Carter work on town business. (Rumford Falls Times photo by Bruce Farrin)

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