RUMFORD — The Mexico and Rumford Boards of Selectmen spent an hour Thursday evening discussing options for replacing outgoing Town Manager John Madigan.

While no decision was made, selectmen agreed that “constructive dialog” was shared during the session.

The towns have been sharing Madigan as manager for more than two years, but he is retiring and running for the Legislature.

Last month, both boards voted to extend Madigan’s contract to Jan. 1, 2017, to give them time to decide on his replacement.

Rumford Selectman Peter Chase said they have three options: have separate town managers, share a manager or share a manager with an assistant.

Because of Madigan’s knowledge of both communities, he noted that bringing in someone new “is not going to be an easy transition.”

Madigan said even with that knowledge, he was only able to manage both towns because they “have a capable staff that made this possible.”

“We’ve proven that it’s doable and saved money for both towns in doing it,” he added.

Mexico Selectman Reggie Arsenault said they should seek input from the Maine Municipal Association before proceeding.

Madigan said the average number of years a town manager serves is five.

“The code of ethics says two years because it take a year to get acclimated,” he said.

Mexico Selectman Byron Ouellette asked about the pay difference for a separate town manager in both towns, compared to a shared town manager with an assistant.

Madigan said each town’s budget includes funding for a full-time manager.

Rumford Selectman Chris Brennick suggested forming an ad hoc committee to look at this for a couple of months before proceeding, including asking the MMA for input.

Rumford Selectman Mark Belanger said he favored both towns hiring a town manager, then having straw polls in November for both towns asking residents what they want to do.

“Why not a town manager and an assistant town manager?” Chase asked.

“I don’t believe a new person could handle both towns,” Belanger said.

Rumford Selectman Jim Windover agreed.

Rumford board Chairman Jeff Sterling said he didn’t mean to be selfish, “but we have three potentially big economic development projects on the table and a downtown development project. We need someone in here early to work with John to get up to speed.”

He said he saw very little difference between two town managers and a town manager with an assistant.

“I don’t think you could sell an assistant town manager to either town,” Mexico Selectman Andy Dupuis said.

In lieu of an assistant, Sterling suggested hiring a professional planner to help “with the project we have going.”

Mexico Selectman Rob Gaudet said he had an issue with hiring a professional planner because “there’s a lot more emphasis on economic development in Rumford than in Mexico.”

It was agreed that they need to get moving on this issue.

Sterling suggested advertising in September and having someone on board in November to work with Madigan.

“That’s cutting it close. We need to get someone here by the end of October,” Arsenault said

Madigan suggested the boards listen to David Barrett of the MMA, who is knowledgeable about these issues. Selectmen agreed and asked Madigan to invite him to the next joint meeting of the two boards, tentatively set for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 21, in the Rumford Falls Auditorium.

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