Phippsburg Select Board reappoints Daniel Couture, tables search for health officer

The Phippsburg Select Board on July 8 reappointed Daniel Couture to the town’s Public Safety Advisory Committee and deferred action on filling the vacant health officer post.

During new business, Select Board member (S2) moved to reappoint "Daniel Couture for Public Safety Advisory Committee," a motion Chair (S3) seconded and the board approved by voice vote. The meeting transcript records the motion and the chair’s call for a voice vote but does not show a roll-call tally.

Board members then opened a discussion of the health officer slot. Select Board member (S2) said an interim was needed while the board searches for a permanent hire: "until we have somebody, we need somebody to act in that place, that position." No candidate names were offered during the meeting. After brief discussion members moved to table the item for further consideration; the motion to table was moved, seconded, and approved by voice vote. The board did not set a specific date for follow-up in the open meeting.

Why it matters: the health officer performs statutory public-health responsibilities for the town; tabling the search delays any immediate replacement and leaves interim coverage or duties to be clarified by staff or future action. The board’s decision keeps the issue on the agenda but provides staff additional time to research candidates or job scope.

What’s next: the transcript records the tabling motion and indicates staff will "look into it further," but no timeline or interim assignment was announced at the meeting.