FORT FAIRFIELD — Dan Foster, who for the last 15 years has been the town manager of Fort Fairfield, has announced he will be retiring at the end of 2013.
“I have truly enjoyed my involvement with the citizens of Fort Fairfield; it has been by far the most gratifying job I have had in my career,” said Foster. “Working for my hometown — and with people I grew up with — has provided me a unique opportunity to actively participate in enhancing the quality of life for our citizens.
“My wife, Darlene, and I have a home in Florida and we will be spending some time there after I retire,” he said, “but I will continue to have my residency in Fort Fairfield and will definitely not be a stranger. This is my hometown and it is near and dear to my heart.”
Foster is credited with many accomplishments including the construction of the dike protecting the downtown, preserving the community’s railroad access, and most recently the building of a new health center and the construction of new elderly housing.
Michael Bosse, who is currently the town’s economic development and marketing director, as well as the executive director for the Chamber of Commerce, has been named the community’s next town manager.
“Mike brings a wealth of life experiences to our community and a strong business background. His successful management of the Potato Blossom Festival and the Agri-Business Trade Fair has demonstrated his ability to be a strong and consistent leader,” said David McCrea, chair of the Fort Fairfield Town Council. “His ability to facilitate meetings and projects in a collaborative and inclusive manner has enhanced the quality of the work being done by the Chamber of Commerce and the Quality of Place Council.
“With the unique challenges that Fort Fairfield’s 2014 budget is facing, it was important to the Council to have Mike play a more significant role in its process sooner rather than later,” McCrea said.
Recognizing that the governor’s proposed budget is “clearly an assault on local government and the reductions in revenue to Fort Fairfield, as well as all other communities, will be devastating to budgets,” McCrea said management is currently reviewing what further cuts in expenses can be made without having to replace Bosse’s position for the new fiscal year.
“While this position is important and the role of economic development director is critical to the growth of this community, postponing the hiring of a replacement will help bridge a budget shortfall that is anticipated due to state cutbacks,” said McCrea.
Bosse will initially sign a six-month contract. The time period will bring his employment in line with the town’s fiscal year, and according to the town’s personnel policy, allow for a six-month probationary period.
“We are fortunate to have someone of Mike’s caliber to be able to work with Dan over the next nine months,” said McCrea.
Bosse, a life-long resident of Caribou, had previously owned and managed two successful businesses — Funland in Caribou for 12 years and MAP, Inc. in Presque Isle for the past 20 years. He and his wife, Peggy, will relocate to Fort Fairfield once their residence is sold.
