ROCKPORT — New Interim Town Administrator Edgar Gadbois will earn $500 per day for the duration of his employment in Rockport, a selectman familiar with the employment agreement confirmed yesterday.
Gadbois will also receive mileage reimbursement at the federal rate of 55 cents per mile for his approximately 240-mile round-trip commute from Falmouth, as well as hotel reimbursement for the nights he stays in Rockport.
The 72-year-old interim administrator will work three days per week, usually Tuesday through Thursday, but will stay longer when necessary, Selectman Charles Clark confirmed yesterday.
It was unclear yesterday where Gadbois would spend nights in Rockport.
Gadbois visited Town Hall yesterday, where he met with outgoing Town Administrator Michael Racicot and Selectmen Chairman Wendell "Sandy" Jacques to discuss pending matters.
Following what Jacques described as a "short but good exchange" with Racicot, Jacques and Gadbois discussed the town administrator's role, communication expectations, and issues around town.
"We went over a lot," Jacques said yesterday. "It was very productive; he met a lot of people in Town Hall and is looking forward to next week."
Jacques said he expects the interim position contract to be signed Monday, Gadbois' first official day on the job.
During the interview with interim position finalists Tuesday night, Clark questioned each candidate about how he would approach the town's pending matters, including negotiations of four expired union contracts, preparation for fall Town Meeting, and the Community House renovation project.
Gadbois will serve as interim administrator until a permanent replacement can be found; his offer to help the Town Administrator Search Committee find a suitable permanent candidate helped Gadbois land the position, Jacques has said.
Meanwhile, Racicot, who announced his retirement in May one year into a new three-year contract, completed his last day in Rockport without fanfare yesterday after nearly eight years on the job.
A retirement party was held June 25. Racicot, 58, starts a new interim post as town administrator in Sturbridge next week.
Though Racicot was often considered a polarizing figure — several residents, and some elected and volunteer officials voiced concerns over the last several years that he took too much authority from selectmen — the Beverly resident became the first town administrator to earn re-appointment in Rockport, bringing stability to the position.
He also leaves the town fiscally stable at a time when communities across the state face perpetual budget and financial crises.
Racicot will be paid by Rockport through July 31 as he had three weeks of unused vacation time.
Jonathan L'Ecuyer can be reached at jlecuyer@gloucestertimes.com.
INTERIM TA'S ESTIMATED EARNINGS
Monthly wages: $6,000; $500 per day for three days a week.
Monthly mileage reimbursement $528; 55 cents per mile for about 240 miles per week.
Wages and mileage after 3 months*: $19,584
Wages and mileage after 5 months*: $32,640
*Does not include hotel reimbursement. Officials believe Gadbois will serve as interim administrator for a period of between three and five months.
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