CANTON — Selectmen accepted the written resignation of Town Administrator Scotty Kilbreth during an emergency meeting Thursday.

Kilbreth’s letter said he “no longer (has) confidence in the majority of the Board of Selectmen to do what is right for the town.”

“Also, the lack of support for me is evident,” he wrote. “The chairman of the board has undermined my position as clerk by constant contact with my deputy clerk through various media. This has caused a hostile work environment to the point of dysfunction,” Kilbreth wrote.

He served as town administrator for five years.

At last week’s board meeting, board Chairman Brian Keene and board member Russell Adams questioned Kilbreth intensely about his handling of some residents’ property foreclosure letters. Selectmen examined copies of two letters for the same resident’s property which were signed by Kilbreth; one listed a date for foreclosure and the other had no date.

Kilbreth could not explain why there were two letters.

Adams said last week that it was his understanding that owners of properties with foreclosure liens on them are given 45 days to pay “and then the town owns it.”

He and Keene questioned Kilbreth about payment dates he set up after the 45-day limit.

On Thursday, selectmen appointed Town Clerk Kathy Walker to serve in the administrator’s position until someone is hired or until Dec. 31. The administrator’s position will be advertised on the Maine Municipal Association website and in local newspapers.

Because of the employee shortage in the Town Office, there will be no Friday office hours until further notice. Hours are Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

mhutchinson@sunmediagroup.net