Lorna Nichols says goodbye, thanks Buckfield for opportunity to serve as town manager
Aug. 13—BUCKFIELD — Town Manager Lorna Nichols bid the town goodbye Thursday night as she presided over her final Select Board meeting.
Nichols, who has held the post since Oct. 4, 2021, submitted her resignation last month. She is leaving to become town manager of Belgrade.
Former Select Board Vice Chairman Cameron Hinkley will serve as interim town manager until the board decides its next move.
"Thank you, Lorna, for all of your wonderful work. We wouldn't be where we are today without everything you have done," Chairwoman Cheryl Coffman said.
Nichols closed her report to the board by thanking everyone for allowing her to serve the town during a formidable 10 months at the helm.
"The work done over the last year has been challenging, but rewarding," Nichols said. "Maine boasts some of the best small towns in America, and Buckfield is one of them. Even better has been the opportunity to work with some very special people and to build lasting relationships that will continue after my departure. I want to publicly thank the board and department heads for their support."
She added that she was excited that Hinkley will replace her, at least for the interim.
The board has not yet indicated what steps it will take to permanently fill the position, but will likely wait until next week's election of selectmen before making any decisions.
Voters will pick two selectmen for the five-member board during annual elections Tuesday. Robert Hand is running for reelection against challengers Azalea Cormier, Sandra Fickett and Kyle McCafferty.
Coffman is not seeking reelection, leaving a second seat open.
Hinkley resigned from the board before being named town manager. His seat will be filled in November.
Much of Thursday's meeting was spent discussing the cost estimate to get the Fire Department's tanker truck inspected and test the truck's pump. The board balked at the $10,000-plus estimate from Greenwood Emergency Vehicles in North Attleboro, Massachusetts.
The rear tires were the biggest expense at more than $3,000.
The board had several questions, but Fire Chief Adam Dupile was not at the meeting. Members wondered if the expenditure would keep the tanker on the road for more than a year. They also wanted a list of repairs that Dupile considered a priority and wondered if there was another company available to provide an estimate for repairs.
"I'm not feeling comfortable that I have enough information to recommend a dollar amount for this," Coffman said. "I would have hoped the chief would have been here tonight to help us."
"I don't feel we have enough information," added Selectman Janet Iveson.
The board unanimously voted to table any decision until they received more information on the priority and which repairs can be deferred.
To facilitate the switch to Hinkley as interim town manager, he was appointed as treasurer, Bureau of Motor Vehicle agent, the freedom of access act officer and General Assistance administrator.
Erin Hinkley was reappointed to the Planning Board.
