WATERVILLE — Nick Cloutier has signed his contract to become the city manager in Waterville.
At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, Cloutier expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to his hometown and serve the community.
Cloutier, 41, now serves as Scarborough’s town assessor and director of special projects. He is scheduled to begin his new role at Waterville City Hall on Jan. 5.
A 2002 graduate of Waterville Senior High School, Cloutier went on to earn a degree in psychology from Middlebury College in Vermont.
Cornell Knight has been the acting city manager in Waterville since May, following Bryan Kaenrath’s departure to become the city administrator in Lewiston.
Knight, who attended Tuesday’s council meeting, has held several interim roles in municipalities across Maine.
Cloutier signed a three-year contract following a unanimous vote by five city councilors. According to centralmaine.com, his compensation includes a $165,000 annual salary, a $400 monthly car allowance, 20 vacation days per year and up to 960 hours of sick leave.
Tuesday’s meeting drew a strong showing of Cloutier’s supporters, and he and his wife, Anna, said they hope to move to Waterville as soon as possible.
Several council members expressed confidence that the city is in “good hands” with Cloutier, who emphasized his commitment to fostering strong working relationships with municipal employees and the broader community.
“I came from here and I want this place to thrive, and I feel like I’m not alone in that,” Cloutier said. “In the coming months and years, I want people to know I’m in it for the long term, and I want to work with you.”
He expressed a strong commitment to building on the progress Waterville has made in recent years, and believes his deep roots in the community will be an asset in that effort.
“We searched extensively for a city manager, and while it was a challenging process with many strong candidates, I can confidently say Waterville is in great hands with Nick Cloutier,” Councilor Brandon Gilley, D-Ward 1, said. “This is going to be great. All the prosperity we envision for Waterville — Mr. Cloutier will be able to take the ball and run with it.”
During Tuesday’s meeting, councilors also voted to adopt a new personnel ordinance, approving a transition to a private life insurance and benefits plan with Symetra.
Since Jan. 1, city employees and the city itself have been contributing 50 cents per $100 in wages to fund Maine’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Program, which is set to take effect May 1, 2026. The contribution structure is part of a three-year contract with guaranteed rates.
Bobbie-Jo Green, a human resource officer with the city, said Waterville officials reviewed 11 benefits plans before selecting Symetra, citing the company’s cost savings. Under the new plan, contributions are expected to decrease to 47 cents per $100 in wages. Green said payments will pause until May, a move expected to save the city about $30,000 this year.
The ordinance also expands life insurance coverage for city employees, increasing benefits from $2,000 to up to $50,000. In addition, short-term disability insurance will be offered. Public safety officers, who previously had the lowest benefit levels, are expected to see the greatest impact. City officials said they hope the enhanced benefits will support employee retention and boost morale, especially in those departments.
The changes reflect the significant growth Waterville has experienced in recent years, a trend Cloutier said he is determined to continue as the city’s new manager.
“I’m not jumping up and down because it’s a public forum, but that’s the kind of energy I have inside right now,” Cloutier said. “This is not just a career move. It’s a literal move back to my hometown. I’ve had an incredible journey serving other communities, most recently Scarborough, which I’m very grateful for those opportunities. But there’s something to be said for coming back home, and not just to live, but to be a public servant, and I’m humbled and excited to be granted that opportunity.”
A public meet and greet with the Cloutiers is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Waterville Public Library at 73 Elm St.
