Alna has a vacancy for town clerk again. Michelle Cameron took the job in October and, according to the Dec. 14 selectmen’s meeting agenda released late Friday morning, Dec. 9, “Our wonderful new town clerk has been hired away.” She is moving on to become Nobleboro’s treasurer, Cameron said when reached at the Alna town office by phone Friday.

Nobleboro Selectmen’s Chair Richard Spear, also reached by phone Friday, said Cameron’s coming aboard as treasurer has been announced and the board will formally vote Dec. 14. She used to do other town duties for Nobleboro so is looking forward to working there again, plus it is closer to home, Cameron, of Damariscotta, said.

Spear and Cameron said she will start there Dec. 19 and has already been coming in some. In the interview and her resignation email First Selectman Ed Pentaleri provided at Wiscasset Newspaper’s request, Cameron said she will “for a time” help in Alna Friday mornings when she can. And Cameron spoke well of her Alna experience. 

Cameron’s Dec. 5 email to Alna selectmen reads: “I have had a job offer this weekend and have decided to accept it. The offer was not foreseen but was too great for me to pass up and I need to do what is best for my family. I am giving my two weeks notice but am willing to help out the town of Alna on Friday mornings for a time if you would like me to. My last full week will end  December 16. I want to thank you all for your kindness and support. Alna is a wonderful town and I have really enjoyed working with the Select Board, (Deputy Clerk) Lynette (Eastman) and (Treasurer) Amy (Stockford).”

Cameron’s service was the latest in a string of mostly short stints the Alna job has seen in recent years, according to Wiscasset Newspaper files.

Sheila McCarty resigned in February 2021 after serving about six months. Next, a former Alna town clerk, Amy Stockford, now treasurer, served as interim clerk until another past Alna town clerk, Lisa Arsenault, returned as interim clerk in spring 2021 and was made permanent again in a hire announced in late June 2021.

Arsenault resigned months ago. Then, a candidate the board picked, Elizabeth Dickerson, declined the job and Eastman served as interim clerk until Cameron’s hire in October.

Also Friday, Alna announced town office hours are changing. Effective Dec. 13, the office will be closed Monday and open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.