Ellsworth’s city planner has been named interim city manager through the end of March.
Matthew Williams’ temporary appointment to the position comes in the wake of current City Manager Glenn Moshier being placed on leave Monday. Moshier has been the subject of an internal investigation by the city since he was placed on leave as police chief in December.
Citing confidential personnel records, Ellsworth officials have declined to comment on why Moshier is under investigation and on leave from both his positions with the city.
Moshier’s tenure as city manager already was expected to end on March 31, with Charles Pearce of Castine expected to begin in the position on April 1. Moshier said last year that he would not seek to renew his contract as city manager when it expired in January.
Williams has served as the city’s planner since 2022. He served for a few months as assistant city planner after first being employed by the city earlier that year.
Michelle Beal, chair of the Ellsworth City Council, said that prior to being named interim city manager, Williams has subbed in on an as-needed basis when Moshier has been on vacation.
“While this is not the same as being an acting city manager, he has shown great skill in his leadership abilities and has the respect of his fellow department heads,” Beal said.
Williams did not respond Tuesday morning to a request for comment.