SOUTH THOMASTON — A new administrator for the Town of South Thomaston will be handed the keys to the town in early 2021 as Owen Casas recently submitted his resignation to spend more time with his children. 

Casas was hired in mid-December 2018 and replaced outgoing administrator Terri-Lynn Baines. 

At the time of his hire, Casas had served three years on the Rockport Select Board, a term in the Maine House of Representatives representing Camden, Islesboro and Rockport, and was chairman of the Mid-Coast Solid Waste Corp. Board of Directors, while also serving on the Rockport Budget Committee.

“My hope is that I can help the Town find a good replacement by the end of January,” Casas said in an emailed statement. 

The town has a year-round population of roughly 1,625 and an annual operating budget, excluding schools, of $1.6 million, according to an advertisement for the position. 

South Thomaston has an active volunteer fire department and emergency ambulance service, and is lead by a three-person select board. The town borders both the St. George River and Penobscot Bay, and is home to the reversing tidal river, Wessaweskeag, now called Weskeag, meaning “tidal creek.”

Directly reporting to the three member board of selectmen, the town administrator also wears the hats of town clerk, tax collector, treasure, general assistance administrator, among other duties such as preparing board agendas and town correspondence such as reports, newsletters, contracts, solicitations, policies and ordinances. 

“The Administrator assists the Board in conducting its affairs and in managing day to day operations of the town in accordance applicable regulations, ordinances, and statues,” the ad stated. 

The position, which has a budgeted salary amount of $48,695, does not require residency within the town but does require the position holder to establish residency within a 30 minute drive of the town office within a year of hire unless an exemption is made by the select board.