FREEPORT — The Town Council has selected Peter Joseph Jr., of Lincoln, N.H., as the new town manager.

Joseph, who is now town manager of Lincoln, is expected to replace Freeport’s current manager, Dale Olmstead Jr., in mid-September. 

“I’m really exicted to start in this great community and lucky to have opportunity to take this position,” Joseph said Monday. “I’m looking forward to working with the outgoing manager. I hope to see a really good transition and will try not to lose too much momentum.”

Town Council Chairman Jim Cassida said Joseph has signed a preliminary offer, which includes a salary of $95,000.

“It was a difficult decision to make; there was no wrong decision,” Cassida said. “He brings a lot of skill to the position. In particular what stood out to the council, was his previous experience working in a community that relies heavily on tourism to keep economy vibrant.”

The Town Council is expected to vote on Joseph’s contract at its Aug. 7 meeting.

Joseph and Bethel Town Manager James G. Doar were the two finalists picked by councilors after a search process began in April that drew 41 applicants.

In addition to working in his current position as Lincoln town manager since 2008, the Massachusetts native’s work history includes being an assistant to the town administrator of Petersborough, N.H., and working as an intern for town managers in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

Joseph is also on the board of directors of the Lincoln Woodstock Chamber of Commerce.

Olmstead plans to retire in mid-October after 30 years as town manager, giving Joseph about a month to get acquainted after he is expected to start Sept. 17.

Will Graff can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 123 or wgraff@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @W_C_Graff.

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The Freeport Town Council has selected Peter Joseph Jr. as the new town manager. Joseph will be paid a $95,000 annual salary and is expected to start Sept. 17.