City plans to hire former official from Somerset County

The Eastport City Council expects to hire Larry Post as the new city manager, replacing outgoing City Manager Jonathan Southern. At the April 10 council meeting council President Mary Repole introduced Post and said, "We're still in negotiations, but both the council and Mr. Post are committed."
Post was the town manager for St. Albans for 30 years but most recently was administrator for Somerset County. He was hired in 2010 for that position but resigned in December 2012 after disagreements over management style, as reported in the news at the time. Post explains that the commissioners transitioned from three to five during his time in the position. "There was some confusion in the commission board about expectations of the administrator, in my estimation," he says.
Post says that his 34 years of experience in managing municipal operations will be put to good use in Eastport. One of his first tasks will be to look at the financial picture. "A solid financial footing is important. I've started looking at the numbers. It's not magic, it's simply hard work, setting priorities and looking at ways to set the ship aright."
Eastport contract negotiations are still being finalized, says Repole, but she explains that Post "has made it clear" that he is taking the job, most likely with a start date of Tuesday, April 16.
At the time of his hiring as Somerset County administrator, the Morning Sentinel of Waterville reported that Post signed a four‑year contract of $60,000 annually with 100% of health insurance paid, five weeks of paid vacation and a 40‑week severance package if his employment was terminated. Repole notes that while severance packages are standard fare for city manager positions, Eastport is not in the financial position to offer such generous terms and has on offer a package that is on the low side of the normal range. The final contractual arrangements between Post and the city will be made available to the public upon signing of the contract.
Post says he and his wife look forward to "settling in and being members of the community." However, his wife has work commitments that may require her to travel back and forth for a bit. In the meantime, Post plans to work with city staff in a style that he says "will treat both staff and citizens with respect." He will give his best in return, and he adds that as the city manager he will be building and supporting the staff as a team. He's looking forward to working with the council, staff and the citizens, he says.
At the council meeting former council President Robert Peacock, who had been on the council when Southern first started in the position three years ago, thanked the outgoing city manager for his service.