EMT director William C. Longley Jr. tendered his resignation in response to a purchasing policy adopted by the Woolwich Board of Selectmen Monday evening, Aug. 3.

Longley’s last day as EMT director will be Aug. 31. In response to his resignation, selectmen named Julia Gillespie interim EMS director. Her appointment will begin Sept. 1.

Two weeks ago, Woolwich’s longtime fire chief, Geoffrey McCarren, resigned. Monday was his final day in the position. In resigning, McCarren told the board that he wanted to devote more time to his family and his business. On July 20, the night McCarren announced his resignation, selectmen appointed Dominic Maccio to serve as interim fire chief.

Maccio will fill the position for 60 days or until a new fire chief is hired. The position will be advertised this week. A search committee will be formed to screen applicants.

After giving his monthly report, Longley asked whether selectmen might reconsider the purchasing limits set forth in the policy.

“If you continue with this policy as it’s proposed, you’ve made my decision easy for me,” he said.

The purchasing policy got its first airing at a workshop held prior to the meeting.

Selectman Allison Hepler told Longley she wished he might reconsider his decision.

The policy requires administrative or department-head purchases over $1,000 and less than $5,000 to go through a bid process involving at least two vendors when possible. Purchases over $5,000 require a formal bid process. A purchase order is required with approval from a majority of the board. The board will render its decision within a 24-hour period, retaining the right to reject any and all bids or proposals. It further states, “no employee may make any purchase(s) for personal use.”

“Purchases” were defined as “buying, renting, leasing or otherwise acquiring supplies or services for a price.” Supplies included “materials and/or equipment.”

In a letter addressed to the board dated July 20, Longley recommended the policy apply only to purchases over $5,000. “This type of change would be acceptable to me and I would continue in my appointed position,” he stated.

“I have served (Woolwich) in a number of capacities since the late 1980s and I believe the policy as discussed will not be a benefit to anyone and will only be a divisive attempt to micromanage a department that has been through a lot over the last number of years,” he added.

Longley concludes by stating, “Please take my many years of experience and set your policy accordingly anything less will result in my resignation as Director of EMS effective Aug. 31, 2015.”

After the board voted unanimously to adopt the policy, Chairman David King Sr. read its stated purpose to the audience. He pointed out that the policy includes a clause to allow for emergency expenditures.

“Just about every other town in the state has a similar purchasing policy,” he said.

The new policy wasn’t without criticism. There were concerns regarding its impact on morale among first responders and firemen. It was suggested the board hold off on its decision and form a committee for further consideration of the policy.  As one resident put it, the board was “pinching pennies” at the expense of the emergency services being provided.

Selectman Jason Shaw explained that the board simply wanted to know beforehand how monies were being spent on major purchases.

King added the town’s larger expenditures would now have to go through a bid process.

Hepler said for her it was a matter of providing more transparency in town government.

Following the meeting, Shaw told the newspaper that the board was only doing what it thought was best for the townspeople. “We don’t have a budget committee. We’re the ones who are elected and charged with the responsibility of overseeing all the expenses.

“I honestly believe the majority of the townspeople think having a spending policy and bid process is a good idea,” he said.

Other business

In other business, Road Commissioner Jack Shaw reported that two of the town’s three roads slated for repaving this summer were finished.

Girl Scout Vivian Peavey representing Woolwich Troop 1782 was granted permission to build a freestanding library stand outside the municipal building. Known as a “Book Swap,” the enclosed wooden case will hold books people can borrow, read and replace with others. The Girl Scouts hope to have this built before Sept. 30. The community project is part of their Bronze Award.

The board thanked everyone who volunteered during Woolwich Day including members of the recreation committee, historical committee, along with EMS and fire department personnel.