LIMESTONE, Maine – Limestone is hoping to find a new manager that could help steer the town toward long-term success.
Current interim manager Alan Mulherin took on the role in 2023 after the town had seen a dozen managers, both permanent and interim, come and go in the eight years prior. Since then, Mulherin has worked to get the town on better financial footing and stabilize relationships between the town’s selectboard and staff.
But Mulherin still plans to step down in June 2025, which means the selectboard will need to start looking for his replacement.
Though the town has not yet begun advertising, Mulherin expects the board to discuss the matter at their next meeting in January and then advertise nationwide.
In recent years, managers with municipal backgrounds have been harder to find across the state, so Mulherin is sticking with a proposed $100,000 salary but with the potential to negotiate down. Mulherin is being paid $82,400 as interim manager.
Ideally, the right candidate would at least have managerial and/or financial experience, if they have not worked in municipal government, Mulherin noted.
Mulherin still intends to step down in June even if a permanent replacement has not been found.
“It would be up to the selectboard to develop a plan [after that],” Mulherin said.
In his last six months, Mulherin said he wants to complete the town’s 2023 financial audit and work with Loring Development Authority on bringing industrial and commercial developments to Loring Commerce Center.
He also wants to leave the town’s public works department in a good place. After the recent abrupt departure of highway foreman Spencer Keiser, employee Chad Peers has stepped up, and could take on that role full time if all goes well.
By June, Mulherin said that he and board members also want to see public works employees in their new garage and develop a plan for the current garage on Burleigh Avenue, which could involve demolishing the building.
The next selectboard meeting will be held Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 6 p.m. at the Limestone Town Office, 93 Main St.
