Bethel names Holt interim town manager

Bethel selectmen Monday hired former Norway Town Manager David Holt to serve as interim town manager, beginning July 30, for no more than 180 days.

Holt of Norway will take over from Christine Landes, who is leaving to become Gardiner’s city manager. She begins that job Aug. 13.

Holt served as town manager in Norway from 1989 to 2017, according to Landes.

A native of Greenwood and graduate of Telstar High School, he was a selectman in Greenwood in the 1970s, Landes said. He has also served as town manager in Standish and Dexter.

The terms of his interim employment agreement with Bethel stipulate that he be paid $275 a day, and work Mondays and Wednesdays each week, with a third day as an option, as needed. Holt will receive no benefits.

Bethel selectmen have changed the date of their the next regular board meeting to Aug. 6, formerly scheduled for Aug. 13, Landes said, so she is able to attend with Holt before she leaves.

She said advertisements for a permanent town manager have been put out, and the board Aug. 6 might review any applications that have been submitted.