STRONG — Beginning Sept. 1, the town will have a new animal control officer.
Selectman Dick Worthley said Tuesday he had interviewed Jorge Fernando Gonzalez and recommended to the board that he be hired. He will replace Ann Dunne, whose last day is Aug. 31.
“I thought he was very much qualified and a very nice gentleman,” Worthley said.
Selectmen approved hiring Gonzalez unanimously. Gonzalez will attend a required certification class within six months, as required by Maine law.
At a previous meeting, Worthley asked selectmen to develop a backup plan for when Gonzales is unavailable. Selectman Mike Pond had suggested that selectmen could serve as needed, but Worthley said he was concerned about whether they were allowed to do so legally.
Worthley said that he recently attended a Maine Municipal Association workshop and spoke about his concerns with a legal representative. He was advised that the selectmen performing the duties of an animal control officer could put them and the town in legal jeopardy.
“She recommended we not answer another call,” he told selectmen.
Selectmen agreed to work on securing a backup for Gonzales.
In other matters, selectmen reviewed their options to continue with the Maine Community Health Options employee insurance plan. According to board Chairman Jim Burrill’s update to the board two weeks ago, the annual cost has increased by about $5,000.
Burrill said a company representative came to the Town Office and explained the changes to the plan to town employees. Based on that information, he suggested that the town continue with the plan, with increased rates starting Sept. 1.
Selectmen agreed unanimously.
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