NEW SHARON — The Board of Selectmen appointed Pamela Griswold as town clerk/tax collector because she was the only candidate with experience, Chairwoman Lorna Nichols said.

The former deputy clerk and tax collector will serve until town elections in March, Nichols said.

Griswold succeeds Susan Anneley.

“Anneley accepted a similar position which offered an increase in salary, benefits — there are none with the position in New Sharon — and the opportunity to live on the coast,” Nichols said in response to questions about the recent change. “Susan gave a two-week notice at which time the board advertised for the position, with Pam being the only candidate to apply that had experience.”

When a clerk resigns, the board can appoint someone to serve the remainder of the term and avoid holding a special election, she said.

“The town is fortunate that Pam was interested in serving again,” she said. “Griswold had previously served as deputy town clerk/tax collector from 1990 to 2008.”

The board could not appoint Griswold until Anneley’s last day, which was Friday.

Griswold’s first day was Monday.

“Because the state of Maine requires lots of training, we are now in a transition period to get Pam back up to speed,” Nichols said. “Most towns have gone electronic which is different from when Pam previously served.”

The board has tried to make the transition as seamless as possible to residents, she said.

The town of Industry has agreed to issue plates for new registrations and to handle transfers and vital records. Excise tax on registration will still be paid to New Sharon.  

Residents should go to the New Sharon Town Office beginning Wednesday, Aug. 26, she said.

The office is closed this week, Aug. 17-21, to allow for training. The office will be open to the public from 1 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2 to 6 p.m. Fridays.

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