Town manager wearing many hats in the meantime
LIMESTONE, Maine — Limestone Town Manager Fred Ventresco was appointed as Town Clerk, Tax Collector, and Registrar of Voters while the town searches for a new Head Office Clerk to replace Elizabeth O’Bar.
Selectpeople accepted O’Bar’s resignation during their Feb. 17, 2016 meeting, then appointed Ventresco to the position, accepted the previous tax collector’s current settlement, and recommitted the uncollected taxes to Ventresco. This procedure is state law and required whenever a municipality accepts a new tax collector.
O’Bar began her position as Limestone tax collector in December 2014, and her last day was Feb. 23. Moving forward, Ventresco will be accepting all the tasks associated with her work as well as continuing his duties as Town Manager.
The town manager willingly accepts the added responsibility of taking on multiple jobs while the town searches for a replacement.
“It’s all part of being in a small community where you have a lean staff,” said Ventresco. “You have to be prepared for these things. My main objective is to do my best in these positions while we do the search.
“We always help each other out here and try to be cross-trained. We’re hoping to find someone soon and make sure we have someone to serve the public,” he added.
Ideally, the town is searching for someone with municipal experience under their belt, but Ventresco said the selectpeople are willing to weigh the pros and cons of each candidate while reviewing applications.
“I want to thank Beth for her service to the town of Limestone,” said Ventresco. “It’s been very good working with her, and it’s sad to see her leave, but she’s moving on and we’re all happy for her.”
