Wiscasset Code Enforcement Officer Rick Lang has decided to retire. For the past three years, Lang has served as the town’s plumbing inspector, health officer and safety officer; he wore many hats during his time in Wiscasset.

Lang said he wanted to retire while he still has his health. He and his wife recently purchased a home in Florida. They plan to spend the winters there from now on and come home to Dresden in the spring.

“I was going to retire in September, but I wanted to stay on during the wedding and honeymoon of the Town Planner Misty Gorski Parker to allow for a smooth transition,” Lang said.

“I have enjoyed working in Wiscasset; it is a great place to work, and a great group of people to work with,” Lang said.

Bruce Engert will be serving as the town’s interim CEO and plumbing inspector for the time being. Engert also is the CEO for the towns of Woolwich and Pittston. He said he plans to spend about 15 hours a week in Wiscasset and said it will not interfere with his duties in the two other towns.

According to Wiscasset Town Manager Laurie Smith, the CEO position is a union position and with the changes in the hours the town must negotiate with the union.

“The town will not advertise or take any further action on the CEO’s position until negotiations are completed with the union,” Smith said.

The budget approved September 11 reduced the hours of the code enforcement officer from 32 hours per week to an average of 25 hours per week, as well as reducing the training budget $500. This was a total reduction of $6,322 in the CEO’s budget.

Voters turned down a budget of $54,996 in the June town meeting, and approved a budget of $48,674 in the second vote on the budget.