By Pattie Pacella, Neighb News Correspondent
The Acushnet Selectboard started their 8/22 meeting at 3:15. Although Selectboard members could be heard talking upstairs at the time the meeting was supposted to start, 3:00 p.m., they did not walk down to the meeting room until 3:15.
Selectboard chairperson Garry Rawcliffe announced that a screening committee of himself, Selectboard Administrative Assistant Lisa Leonard, and Fire Chief Kevin Gallagher interviewed two individuals for an interim Town Manager position.
He said that although both candidates looked very good, they had voted for Kevin Paicos.
Mr. Rawcliffe then asked for a motion to go into executive session to choose the interim town manager, which was granted.
The Selectboard came back into the room after approximately 10 minutes and Mr. Rawcliffe announced that they had all agreed to hire Kevin Paicos, an Easton municipality employee with over 40 years experience
Mr. Rawcliffe stated that Mr. Paicos only does interim work; he is retired and collecting a pension, so he will be with the town two days a week for free until the end of year or when a permanent town manager is hired.
Mr. Rawcliffe stated that the permanent town manager position is still being screened and it would be 60 to 90 days before someone could start because that person would have to give sufficient notice.
In another matter, the board announced that Highway Department Superintendent Dan Menard would be also taking the position of Water & Sewer Superindent.
Selectboard member Mike Cioper said that with this position and the division of some new responsibilities to the clerical position in the office, the changes would save the town more than $44,000 in salaries.
The next Selectboard meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, 8/30, at 5 p.m., which is prior to the Special Town Meeting the same night.
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