ISLAND FALLS, Maine — The town of Island Falls has looked inward to find its next town manager following the departure of long-time manager Dave Dionne.
Jutta Beyer replaces Dionne, who left Island Falls in May after five years to take a similar post as town manager of Castle Hill, Chapman and Mapleton. Since his departure, Beyer has served as the interim town manager.
Beyer, who has served as a town clerk since 2013, was one of six applicants for the position before she was offered the job, according to selectman Darrell Hartin.
“We had one from as far away as Texas,” he said. “While some of these applicants may have looked promising, the board decided that Jutta’s experience and ties to the area were something that we couldn’t overlook.”
Prior to coming to Island Falls, Beyer worked as a town clerk/administrative assistant for Mount Chase, where she resides with her husband Chris and daughter Emily.
“I really like the town and love working here,” Beyer said. “There will be more responsibilities. I also like a challenge. I know the people, and I think people are happy because they know me.”
Beyer said she has been receiving lots of support from the community since she was announced as the new town manager.
Keeping a handle on ever-rising taxes will be a big challenge. Economic development and revitalization of the downtown are two areas both Beyer and the board of selectmen are hoping to improve. The board is also working on developing a five-year plan for the town.
“From her first days as town clerk her work ethic has proven to be outstanding,” Hartin added. “We’re very pleased with the selection.”
Dionne said he too was pleased to see the town was looking to Beyer as their next leader.
“My hope is that the transitions will bring the town forward with some of the momentum that was built in the last few years,” he said.
Beyer’s appointment comes with a salary of $46,000, with an additional $2,000 coming from the Water Department. The position of town clerk remains unfilled, but a replacement is being sought, Hartin said.
