OXFORD — Town Manager Michael Chammings confirmed Wednesday that he will leave his position to become Auburn’s economic and community development director.

His last day in Oxford will be Monday, Jan. 18.

“I will certainly miss my staff in Oxford, but am looking forward to starting my new position with the city of Auburn,” Chammings said. “From what I have seen so far, they have a top-notch staff. I have already been contacted by business people from Auburn welcoming me aboard. The economic growth possibilities in Auburn seem endless, and I believe that I can help capitalize on them.”

Chammings said he submitted his letter of resignation, dated Dec. 16, to Board of Selectmen Chairman Scott Owens about two weeks ago, but to his knowledge the board had not taken any action on it as of Wednesday morning.

“The date on the resignation isn’t accurate because I didn’t catch up with him (Owens) right away,” Chammings said.

The Board of Selectmen scheduled a meeting for 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, to discuss a personnel in executive session, but Chammings said the issue was not related to him.

Chammings said he planned to finish his duties as town manager next week, for the most part, and he will try to help with transitioning to a new town manager. The town has several projects going on, including construction of a multimillion dollar state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility. 

In his resignation letter, Chammings said, “Hopefully, I will be replaced by someone with the same passion for town management, commitment to community involvement and compassion to those in need that I have had.”

He said, “I leave the town in great fiscal shape, with a promising future and a competent and hardworking staff. Oxford is truly a great place to work, live and raise a family.”

Also on Wednesday, Auburn officials announced the hiring of Chammings in a news release, stating he will begin his duties Jan. 19.  Auburn City Manager Howard Kroll said Chammings’ experience creating jobs made him the best candidate, along with his other economic development experience.

“He is a strong complement to the city’s staff and is the best candidate for the long-term success of the city’s economic and community development efforts,” Kroll said in his written statement.

Chammings replaces Roland Miller, who retired in November after 35 years in the position.

mjerkins@sunmediagroup.net