Town Manager
Kirstie Krukowski Hale
Telephone: (207) 668-2111 Ext. #3
Within the government of Jackman, the Town Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring efficient administration and delivering high-quality services to residents. While the elected select board sets policies/ordinances and makes decisions that guide the town’s future, the Town Manager is responsible for implementing those decisions and overseeing day-to-day operations. The town manager's powers and duties are derived from 30-A M.R.S. § 2636.
Key Responsibilities of the Town Manager
- Chief Executive Officer: The Town Manager acts as the chief executive officer of the town, managing all municipal operations and ensuring that policies set by the select board are effectively carried out.
- Budget Management: The Town Manager prepares and submits a recommendation of the annual town budget to the select board and Budget Committee. Ultimately, the select board's recommendations are presented to the town for approval. This includes managing financial resources, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring that funds are used responsibly and transparently.
- Administrative Leadership: As the leader of the town’s administrative functions, the Town Manager hires and supervises employees, ensures that town staff operate efficiently, and fosters a collaborative and professional work environment.
- Policy/Ordinance Implementation: Once the select board adopts policies/ordinances, the Town Manager ensures that they are executed in a timely and effective manner. This includes working closely with department heads and staff to translate the council’s vision into tangible outcomes.
- Advising the Select Board: The Town Manager serves as a key advisor to the select board, providing professional recommendations on issues, presenting options, and offering expert analysis to help guide informed decision-making.
- Community Engagement: Although not an elected official, the Town Manager maintains close ties with the community, facilitating open communication between residents, businesses, and the selectboard. The Town Manager may hold public forums, provide reports, and engage in public outreach to keep the community informed and involved.
- Crisis Management: In times of emergencies or unexpected challenges, the Town Manager, along with the Emergency Management Director coordinates the town’s response to the best of their ability, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and that residents receive the support they need.
Select Board and Town Manager Collaboration
While the Town Manager is responsible for administration, the selectboard retains ultimate legislative authority. The relationship between the select board and the Town Manager is one of trust and collaboration. The select board focuses on policymaking, representing the needs and desires of the community, while the Town Manager manages the operations that bring those policies/ordinances to life.
Together, this form of government promotes professionalism, accountability, and efficiency, ensuring that the town is run smoothly, transparently, and in a way that best serves its residents.