The Ogunquit Select Board tried to reassure residents Tuesday night that it is working quickly to resolve the status of Town Manager Thomas Fortier.
Asked for an update on the board’s progress Tuesday night, Chairwoman Barbara Dailey said the board was working through its legal process and will give out information as soon as it is legally able.
“Nobody’s sitting on anything. We’re making progress,” Dailey said. “I think everyone is looking forward to getting a resolution.”
About 25 people attended the Select Board meeting at the Dunaway Community Center. The meeting spanned a variety of topics ranging from liquor license applications to a presentation on community attempts to combat invasive plant species on the Marginal Way. During the public input section, two people mentioned or posed questions about Fortier.
Fortier, who has earned nearly $124,000 through Dec. 1, according to town records, has been on paid administrative leave since August, when Wells police charged him with misdemeanor theft by unauthorized taking or transfer and official oppression, which involves an official seeking to benefit himself or harm others by committing “an unauthorized act which purports to be an act of office.”
The charges followed allegations that Fortier kept a local parking lot open after hours on the Fourth of July and then pocketed the additional parking fees. Fortier is alleged to have asked underage seasonal workers to staff the lot, which typically closed at 4 p.m.
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