By Devon Cormier
Staff Writer

New Boston interim Police Chief Bruce MacDougall has begun his duties in town following the departure of former Chief Gregory Begin. But the switch to an outside interim chief won't be cheap.

After Begin was elected police chief of Weare on March 8, the New Boston Board of Selectmen decided to hire an interim chief to handle administrative duties so the department would not be shorthanded.

"I think the main factor in our decision was that it is going to be a number of months before we find a replacement," said Town Administrator Burton Reynolds.

The town is working with Municipal Resources Inc. to find a new chief. In the meantime, they are paying the company $68 an hour for MacDougall's time. MacDougall is then paid by Municipal Resources. Reynolds said he expects the interim chief to work for about 16 hours a week, which adds up to $1,088. MacDougall will work more hours if necessary.

Chief Begin's salary was $62,400 a year. The town also paid for benefits for Begin, which MacDougall will not receive. Reynolds said the town selected MacDougall specifically because he spent a lot of time in the department during an investigation of Begin, brought on by complaints about his management style.

"He knows almost all of the officers," Reynolds said. "He was here on and off for a while and I think he will be a good fit."

MacDougall is also the former chief of Methuen, Mass. Despite MacDougall's familiarity with the department, some residents said they are still worried about the additional price an outside interim chief will cost the taxpayers too much.