LONDONDERRY — As the search for Londonderry’s new town manager moves forward, officials are working to re-organize the town’s government, starting with the elimination of the assistant town manager position.

In a letter sent to the Town Council this week, acting Town Manager Bill Hart said he’s determined “the function of the position of Assistant Town Manager is redundant and unnecessary to efficient functioning of town government responsibilities.”

The reorganization also calls for a hefty pay reduction for the town’s director of finance and administration, reducing that salary from $120,231.07 to $109,523.71. Longtime town employee Susan Hickey has been filling both the assistant town manager and director of finance and administration positions.

Hickey’s office will continue to supervise the town clerk, tax collector, welfare and human resource offices, while the information technology department will be shifted to the town manager’s office. The recent changes will be discussed more thoroughly during the August Town Council meeting.

Hart said the recent situation involving misappropriation of the town’s impact fees was the impetus behind the reorganization.

“This is a start towards the goal of serving our residents more effectively,” he said. “Indeed, we will continue to assess our operations and take action where needed.”

This announcement came one day after town officials announced the search for a new town manager had officially begun.

Hart has been serving as interim town manager since mid-June, when longtime town manager David Caron announced his leave of absence.

Citing a family illness, Caron, who had been employed as town manager for nearly 11 years, took what was initially a temporary leave but submitted his resignation last week as details of the town’s mismanagement of impact fees came to light.

Caron’s official resignation date is today. He earned $124,640 last year.

The Londonderry town manager’s duties include the day-to-day administrative and financial affairs of the town as well as the management of all the town’s departments and implementation of policies established by the Town Council.

The town’s next manager will also be tasked with handling Londonderry’s $32 million operating budget and 200-person work force, most of whom are covered by six collective bargaining agreements.

“Londonderry’s diverse character combines residential, commercial, industrial and recreational activities, while maintaining its quality of life by supporting an excellent school system, thousands of acres of open space … and the promotion of a healthy suburban lifestyle,” Hart said.

Ideal candidates should have at least 10 years of relevant senior management experience, a bachelor’s degree in public administration or related field, and preferably a master’s in public administration or a similar advanced degree, according to Hart.

While the new town manager does not need to be a resident of the town or state, once hired the new town manager would be expected to move to town. However, exceptions to this rule may be made, subject to the council’s approval.

The position will be posted in various newspapers and on the town website, as well as on several other local, regional and national websites.

The application deadline is set for Aug. 31.

For more information, visit www.londonderrynh.org.

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April Guilmet may be reached at AGuilmet@newstote.com.