LEWISTON — Lewiston City Administrator Ed Barrett has announced that he will retired during the current calendar year.
Barrett’s employment agreement terminates as of June 30, 2020, but the City Council is considering extending this agreement until a new administrator is selected and takes office, or Dec. 31, whichever date is earliest. Barrett has held the position since January 2010.
In announcing his retirement, Barrett said, “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the residents of Lewiston and to work with many dedicated elected officials and city staff. I am proud of this city team’s accomplishments over the last ten years – from revitalization on Lisbon Street to adopting the Riverfront Island Master Plan, the Legacy Lewiston Comprehensive Plan and the Choice Neighborhood Plan, blueprints that will guide the city into the future. I’m convinced that Lewiston is poised for great things.”
Mayor Mark Cayer, who worked closely with Barrett as a councilor and council president before his recent election as mayor, said, “Ed has been a true professional who has brought both stability and foresight to his position. He guided us through the fallout of the Great Recession, has worked closely with our finance director to bring down our outstanding debt, and has helped us develop a vision for our future. He will be missed.”
Barrett came to Lewiston after more than 20 years as the city manager in Bangor. Before that, he was assistant city manager and director of administration for Wichita Falls, Texas. He began his career in the budget office in Tucsojn, Ariz. He will retire with 45 years of service in municipal government.
The mayor and council will work over the coming months to put a transition plan in place and to develop and implement a recruitment process for a new administrator and will keep public informed as this process moves forward, according to a news release from City Hall.
