ROCKLAND, Maine — The City Council unanimously approved Monday night the creation of an assistant city manager position and confirmed the employee who has served in the post for the past two months.
The councilors voted 5-0 to approve the post that Manager James Chaousis created in October and confirmed his appointment of Audra Caler Bell.
When he announced the post, Chaousis immediately was questioned and criticized by some residents who contended that the power to create positions rested with the council.
Councilor Valli Geiger said she was caught off guard by the amount of energy generated by members of the public over the manager’s action.
“I thought it was unfortunate that a woman that we are delighted to have serving got caught up in an argument over who has the authority to do what,” Geiger said.
The council sought advice from its attorney and the Maine Municipal Association before taking the vote.
Chaousis said 90 percent of Caler Bell’s job will be as economic and community and development director, a post she was hired for in January.
He said the reorganization of staff at City Hall, including Caler Bell’s appointment, after the departure of the general assistance and human resources director resulted in overall savings of $8,000.