CHINA (AP) — A Maine town violated state law when it hired its former select board chairman to head its public works department and town transfer station.

The Morning Sentinel (http://bit.ly/1qXUB7L ) reported that Peter Foote, the former China select board chairman, has withdrawn from the appointed post. State law says a municipal official cannot be appointed immediately to a paid position that was created during his time in office. Town officials and Foote say they were unaware of the law.

Foote decided not to run for re-election this year. He says he had no intention of misleading residents. He says he had already decided not to run for re-election when he applied for the $49,000 job.

Town officials say the town remains in need of someone to oversee public works and the station.