ROCKLAND – Following an extensive hiring process, the City of Rockland officially offered the position of manager to Tom Luttrell, Tuesday, June 27. The negotiation of contract, however, will be delayed until residents and business leaders have the opportunity to ask their own questions to Luttrell at a public reception not yet scheduled.

“We are truly lucky to have two top tier candidates be finalists to preside over the daily operations of the city,” Mayor Clayton said in a news release. “In the end it was Tom's history, track record, financial acumen and public support that helped shape the council's decision.”

Following a committee search, the number of candidates had been narrowed down to one: Christopher Philbrick of Dumfries, Va. After that nomination, members of council reviewed all of the applications for themselves, with regard to “the steadfast approach the search committee took in their assigned task and brought forward a top candidate for the post.”

In reviewing the applicants, council opted for a different resume with a familiar face.

“In a unique way they [the search committee] were also responsible for helping get Tom on the position he is in now. We commend them for their work.”

Of the initial candidate, Mayor Clayton said: “Mr. Philbrick will be a great city manager at some point, somewhere, and we wish him well and appreciate his time and effort in applying. He is a patriot of our country and his experience and knowledge will be a great benefit to a municipality in the near future.

“Lastly we need to commend Audra Caler-Bell for how she and our department heads have held the city together over the past year. They has been in an unenviable position but took it in stride and handled it with excellence. The town of Camden is extremely lucky to have her as their next manager just as we are with Tom.”

Luttrell was appointed acting city manager in 2014 after James Smith resigned. Read: Rockland Council appoints Tom Luttrell to be acting city manager

Sarah Thompson can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com