RANGELEY — Town Manager Perry Ellsworth will be heading to southern Maine, starting Jan. 17, to begin his new job as South Berwick’s town manager.

“I was ready for a new challenge, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work for the people of South Berwick,” the town administrator said Tuesday night. One of the challenges will be the difference in the year-round population. Rangeley’s is about 1,100; South Berwick’s is about 7,200.

“I have friends and family in southern Maine, and I’ll still have a home in Strong,” he said.

Ellsworth said in his six years here, “We have accomplished many critical goals that have improved our community while saving us money. The employees have made this position one of the most enjoyable that I have experienced.”

Finances are in excellent shape, Ellsworth noted, because his staff has managed its budgets efficiently.

“This has allowed us to grow our fund balance to where we shouldn’t have to borrow money in the near future,” he said. “We’ve also incorporated cross- training for better customer service.”

The operational budgets Ellsworth oversees have increased 5 percent, even though inflation has increased more than 18 percent, he noted.

Ellsworth said Rangeley is a special place, and he hopes the next town manager will foster that community spirit.

“I believe there is synergy in both municipal government and community organizations that has not existed for some time,” he said. “I give credit to everyone who has worked to make this happen.”

One project Ellsworth put in motion came from Airport Improvement Grants from the Federal Aviation Administration and Maine Department of Transportation. The town has received more than $1 million, and 2011 grants for new projects will be $500,000, with the taxpayers paying $12,500, Ellsworth said.

“Airport revenues continue to grow, and the Public Works Department continues to decrease operations costs,” he said. “The Airport Commission and selectmen have been instrumental in moving these projects ahead and supporting growth opportunities for this essential portion of our town business.”

Raised in Salem Township, Ellsworth graduated from Stratton High School. He lives in Strong and worked for many years as a supervisor and manager at Hammermill Paper, which was bought by International Paper, and then by Verso Paper.

The certified town manager has a lengthy record of civic service.

He has been a director on the SAD 58 board, a selectman in Strong, vice president of the Executive Board of the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments, and an executive director of the NorthStar EMS Advisory Board.

He has served on the Franklin County budget committee and on the executive board of the Maine Town and City Managers Association.

Ellsworth is married, with three grown children and eight grandchildren.