Atkinson without town administrator for 7 months

From the Eagle Tribune;

Atkinson without town administrator for 7 months
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com

ATKINSON — Selectmen have made progress in hiring a town administrator, but still haven't made an offer to any candidate.

The three selectmen said they interviewed a couple of candidates last week and are still working to narrow down the field.

They plan to interview three candidates again, according to Selectmen's Chairman Fred Childs.

Selectman Bill Friel said the town can't hire someone for the job fast enough.

"I wish I had one six months ago," he said.

Friel said the board isn't sure when they will have someone hired for the job, but are hopeful it will happen soon.

The town advertised for the position in late May and received more than 30 applications. Over the last month, the three selectmen met with six former selectmen to review applications and discuss who might be a good fit for the town. Friel said they are taking their time to make sure the new town administrator will be a long-term solution.

Atkinson has been without a town administrator since late January, when Steven Angelo quit after only a few months on the job.

A candidate, whose name was not released, was offered the job in April. When that person gave notice to his or her employer, Atkinson's offer was matched. That candidate had remained from the search conducted when Angelo was hired. No salary range was specifically stated in the job advertisement.

Before Angelo, Atkinson went through two town administrators in a year.