MADAWASKA, Maine — Madawaska officials hired David Daigle of Frenchville, a Madawaska native, as the new town manager on June 20.
Daigle, who also owns property in Madawaska, currently works as the operation manager for Autotronics, LLC in Frenchville. Before that, he spent 22 years as the director of financial aid for York County Community College in Wells.
He also served as the town manager in St. Agatha from 1989 to 1998.
And though he spent over two decades away from Aroostook County, Daigle said he was inspired to move back just a couple of years ago.
“I’ve worked in bigger cities, and I’ve always had the notion that I want to come back home,” he said.
The town approved a three-year agreement with Daigle with a starting salary of $97,500 per year. He will begin work on July 15.
Madawaska has been without a permanent town manager since early March, when Gary Picard’s resignation took effect. Picard’s career as Madawaska’s town manager began in 2017, and his resignation letter stated plans to enter another work-phase in his life.
Though he resigned in February, his last day of employment was March 5. According to a separation agreement obtained via Freedom of Access Act Request, Picard agreed to provide advisory services for the town, if needed, after that date for $55 an hour.
The town approved interim town manager Dan Foster’s contract on March 4. Foster’s contract included a $50 per hour wage. His term, according to that contract, would end once a new town manager was hired.
Daigle said he is looking forward to beginning work with the town. He has been in communication with Foster and the current board members about ongoing projects the town is engaged in.
“I want to become familiar with the employees of the community and listen to their concerns,” he said. “I need to be honest and I need to be approachable. That’s the promise I made to the board during this whole process.”
