The resignation of former vice chairman Robert Splaine was formally accepted at the December 23 meeting of the Boothbay Harbor selectmen.

Though his resignation had not been officially accepted until now, Splaine has not been present at meetings since it was submitted.

Splaine stated in his resignation letter that “personal attacks that have been allowed during meetings have taken their toll,” as his main reason for resigning.

Chairman Bill Hamblen, along with selectmen Russ Hoffman and Denise Griffin, unanimously voted to accept Splaine’s resignation with regret. Selectmen Jay Warren was not in attendance.

Hoffman publicly thanked Splaine for his years of service to the town.

“I have worked with Mr. Splaine for four years now,” Hamblen said. “Sometimes we have been on the same side of an issue, sometimes opposite sides. No matter how passionate he was, I knew it was always in pursuit of what was good for the town.”

“I admire Splaine’s intellect and drive. He has contributed enormously to this town and we thank him,” Hamblen said.

The selectmen agreed they would wait until the first January meeting to elect a new vice chairman, as they felt all selectmen should be in attendance.