The Boothbay selectmen didn’t have far to look for a new town manager. The selectmen concluded their search on April 22 by appointing Daniel Bryer Jr.

Bryer, 42, is a lifelong Boothbay resident. He has served as one of the town’s two code enforcement officers since 2011. 

He became the interim town manager in February after Jim Chaousis left for the city manager position in Rockland.

Bryer was one of 37 applicants. The selectmen hired a Maine Municipal Association consultant to facilitate the town manager search. The consultant advertised, collected applications and ultimately recommended five suitable candidates. Bryer was one of the three who interviewed for the position.

The selectmen agreed Bryer was the top candidate. They chose Bryer based on his character and familiarity with the town. Selectman Steven Lewis said Bryer’s commitment to the town was apparent throughout the process.

“Dan told us he wouldn’t be upset if we hired somebody else. He was born and raised here. And told us he wanted what was best for the town of Boothbay,” Lewis said. “To me, that says a lot about his character.”

Bryer agreed to a three-year contract. His starting salary is $58,000. The contract includes an option for Bryer to return to his CEO position. Bryer could return to the position within 12 months if either party isn’t satisfied with the arrangement.

The selectmen will delay hiring another full-time CEO for a year. The town is looking to hire Art Dunlap on a part-time basis.

The contract also calls for performance reviews in the fourth and eighth months and for Bryer to complete several MMA training courses. The contract requires the town to pay for his courses, $350 mileage stipend per month, and for cell phone hardware and service.

Bryer believes learning the job protocols and budgetary process will be his biggest challenges. He understands as a first-time town manager there is a “steep learning curve.”

“It was the same when I became a CEO,” he said. “There is a lot to learn.”

Bryer believes his familiarity with the community and town government makes him uniquely qualified for the position.

“I applied because I love the town. There’s an opportunity along with the select and other boards to do something special. I thank the selectmen for this opportunity,” said Bryer.

Resident Tom Nickerson endorsed the selectmen’s decision.

“I think all five of you know I’d be the first to complain if I didn’t agree, but I’ll be first tonight to say you made the right decision.”

The selectmen spent $4,900 on the MMA consultant to facilitate the search. The selectmen wanted to conduct a thorough search to find the best possible candidate.

“It’s almost a necessary evil,” said Selectman Dale Harmon. “It’s the same process we used to hire Jim (Chaousis). The MMA knows how to find the best applicants. The process helped us find the best candidate, and Dan was definitely that.”

Bryer is a 1990 Boothbay Region High School graduate. He received an associate degree from Southern Vermont College. His salary as CEO was $52,000.