The search for Boothbay’s new town manager has begun. The selectmen accepted James Chaousis resignation with regret on Jan. 14 and named Code Enforcement Officer Daniel Bryer to serve as the interim town manager.

The board also accepted the Maine Municipal Association’s proposal to assist the town’s search for a new manager.

The selectmen hired the MMA to serve as a consultant for a $4,900 fee. The MMA assisted Boothbay in 2010 when Chaousis was selected as town manager. 

During the board meeting, Chaousis mapped out his exit as town manager. He gave the town two month’s notice, which is contractually required. Chaousis will work with Bryer during that time, advising him on the town manager’s daily duties.

Chaousis last official day as town manager will be March 13. 

He plans on taking a two-week vacation during that period, which means his last day in the town office will be Feb. 27.

Selectmen’s Chairman Steven Lewis wished Chaousis well in his new job as Rockland City Manager.

“We hired Jim four years ago because he was young, energetic and genuine,” Lewis said. “We believed you’d excel in our town given the the proper tools and support. Fortunately, for the town, you did just that. Unfortunately, another town noticed what we knew all along: that you are a rising star in municipal government.”

Chaousis expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community. Chaousis believed his time in Boothbay propelled him to larger opportunities.

“The work we have accomplished has been amazing,” he said. “I’m thankful to the board for providing me with the latitude and resources to be successful. I am even more thankful to the residents of Boothbay, the region, and summer visitors for treating me with tremendous grace.

“I will continue to regard Boothbay highly as I accept this new opportunity.”

The board unanimously named Bryer as the interim town manager.

Bryer is expected to take over as the interim manager on March 2. He will continue to serve as one of the town’s two code enforcement officers; and will receive the town manager’s $74,000 salary during his interim duties.

Chaousis advised the board to appoint a senior staff member to serve as interim town manager. He described Bryer as an exceptional municipal employee with the potential for larger opportunities.

“Dan has the proven ability to make governmental decisions with strong integrity,” Chaousis said. “It’ll be a seamless transition, and if something does come up, I’m only a phone call away.”

The selectmen expect to meet with MMA representatives prior to the next board meeting to discuss the parameters for the search.

In 2010, it took four months to find Chaousis, a Livermore native, who previously served as the Livermore Falls town manager. Lewis hopes to name Chaousis’ successor by the May town meeting.

“We are looking at least 3.5 months before someone is at least named,” he said. “I’d like to have the person named in time for the town meeting. At least the new manager could meet residents when they vote.”

Chaousis told the board two factors would determine how quickly the town could find his replacement.

“The availability of applicants and the the commitment of the board, ” he said. “If the board is committed to an accelerated time line then a replacement will be found quickly.”

Chaousis, 37, will begin his new job on March 2. As the Rockland city manager, his salary will be $92,000.