FARMINGTON — Selectmen Tuesday evening, Sept. 26, approved then signed the contract for new town manager, Erica LaCroix.
Erica LaCroix was named the next Farmington Town Manager at the Sept. 26 Board of Selectmen meeting. Town Manager of Winslow since Oct. 15, 2020, she is expected to stat her new duties Dec. 13. Central Maine file photo
The proposed hiring was announced Sept. 19 in a release.
“It has been a long process for us,” Chair Matthew Smith said at the meeting. “Very, very happy with the results.”
Smith said he looked forward to working with LaCroix and welcomed her aboard.
“I am very excited,” LaCroix stated. “I do know Dick Davis [former Farmington Town Manager]. He has already reached out to me and told me he would help out.”
LaCroix said she is leaving a town she had a wonderful time with, had wonderful staff. She lives in Mount Vernon, has family in the area.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with you,” LaCroix added.
Selectman Stephan Bunker thanked the department heads for their efforts during the process.
“It did take us a long time to work through the proposals,” he said. “I am pleased to say we have a shining star here.”
LaCroix graduated from Marranacook High School in 1988. She received a bachelor of science degree from Michigan State University and a MPA from Norwich University. She has worked in the public sector for over 25 years.
LaCroix was selected as Maine Town, City and County Management Association’s 2022 Rising Star recipient, a recognition which highlights a public administrator who has brought new vitality and professionalism to his or her respective community.
Previous Town Manager Christian Waller stepped down unexpectedly on Feb. 6.
Waller was hired in 2021 to replace Town Manager Richard Davis who retired after 20 years on the job.
An official start date of Dec. 13 is written in the contract although LaCroix noted she may be able to start earlier depending on how things go with the Winslow Town Manager position.
According to the contract:
• LaCroix has been hired for three years with either party notifying the other of intent to renew at least 90 days prior to Dec. 13, 2026. Her first year salary is $115,000. It increases to $120,000 the second year and subject to a cost of living adjustment consistent with other town employees in the third.
• LaCroix may enroll in the Maine Public Employees Retirement System plan or Farmington will pay 10% of her wages to the plan of her choice. Farmington will also pay $5,000 annually to her 457 plan.
• Performance will be reviewed by the Select Board at six months, 12 months and then annually to help define goals and performance objectives for the proper operation of town government.
• LaCroix will be provided a cellphone for town business use.
• LaCroix will have 15 days vacation during her first year, 20 days in her second and third years. She will have six sick days available during her first six months, after which it will accrue based on town policies.
“I am thrilled to have her with us,” Bunker stated.
In other business, the Select Board:
• Approved an agreement with Preti Flaherty for attorney services.
• Renewed the on-premises license for Sabadiee Thai Restaurant.
• Tabled approval of on-premises license for Sushi & Thai Smile Restaurant pending requests for additional information and a representative attending the board meeting.
• Appointed Richard Morton to the Board of Appeals.
• Appointed Jennifer Bjorn to the Zoning Board.
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