RUMFORD — The Board of Selectmen has approved a three-year contract for Town Manager Carlo Puiia.

Puiia said the vote was 4-0, with board member Frank DiConzo absent from the session last wee. This was the last of some four of five meetings on the matter, which began with his evaluation, discussion over that evaluation, proposed contract, meeting with attorneys and a final vote.

Puiia said it was his decision to take a salary cut of $1,300 to $67,600 for the first year of the contract, followed by $70,200 for 2014-15 and $72,800 for 2015-16.

Regarding the contract, Puiia said, “I would like to stay in Rumford. I know there’s citizens who have signed a petition to have me removed. I appreciate the support of my board.”

Asked about the length of the contract, Puiia noted by town charter, “Following the town manager’s initial contract, the Board of Selectpersons has the power to execute with the town manager a contract of employment not to exceed three years. Any such contract shall be drawn, however, so as to expire on the date of an organizational meeting of the Board of Selectpersons.”

As for his immediate goals as town manager, Puiia said he will continue work with the Envision Rumford group, pick up where they left off with the Puiia Business Park, continue with the demolition impact studies to remove two blighted buildings on Waldo Street, once the budget is approved, put a Charter commission together, and continue with municipal regionalization efforts.

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