Farmington Town Manager Christian Waller has resigned, effective Feb. 6. In this file photo he is seen at center with former Town Manager Richard Davis at left and Selectman Stephan Bunker at right during a retirement party for Davis in August 2021. File photo/Livermore Falls Advertiser
FARMINGTON — Town Manager Christian Waller resigned unexpectedly Monday afternoon, Feb. 6, and the Select Board is still working out the details, Chair Matthew Smith said Tuesday morning.
Waller’s resignation was announced through an email from town attorney Amanda Meader late Monday night.
“Christian Waller and the Farmington Select Board have come to the mutual decision to accept Mr. Waller’s resignation as of [4 p.m.] on February 6, 2023,” her email read. “Mr. Waller cited a desire to spend more time with family. The Board honors his decision and thanks him for his service.”
Waller was hired in July 2021 to replace Town Manager Richard Davis who retired after 20 years on the job. There were 14 applications submitted for the position, with four interviews held to narrow it down to two, Smith said at the time.
“[Waller] has a young family, six children,” Selectman Scott said then. “His wife is a registered nurse, will be seeking employment at the hospital. We were looking for someone who will serve as long as Richard [Davis].”
Waller had served as director of policy for Indiana’s Department of Workforce Development. He started as town manager on Aug. 23 with an annual salary of $92,500. He has a master’s degree in public administration from Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public & Environmental Affairs and a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Framingham State College, Framingham, Massachusetts.
In a September 2021 interview with the Franklin Journal, Waller said he would look to strategic planning to ensure spending was in line with the community’s needs and desires.
Waller said he grew up on a farm on Martha’s Vineyard. The opportunity to work more directly with the public was one reason he applied for the Farmington position. His parents retired to Farmington a number of years ago so he was familiar with the area.
Waller could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
When asked by the Franklin Journal if there had been any advanced warning, Smith said no. “It’s just one of those things, it was what we felt was the best for both parties,” he stated. “In the near future we will be doing a manager search.”
There are some names being considered for an interim town manager, the board will see what happens, Smith said. “The board will be overseeing things until we can hire an interim,” he added.
No additional board meetings have been scheduled at this time, the next meeting to discuss the budget was set for Wednesday, Smith said.
Meader indicated those seeking further information should contact Smith by email at mwsmith@farmington-maine.org or by phone at 207-778-6538 [office] or 207-491-2743 [cell].
“I don’t see any disruption in the budget process,” Smith said. “This is still new for us, we are working our way through it.”
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