Paul Bryant, the harbormaster for Newcastle and Damariscotta, told town officials he does not want a raise this year. In fact, he told them he does not want to be paid at all.
“I told them I didn’t feel it was necessary,” said Bryant.
Bryant, the Newcastle harbormaster since 1970 and Damariscotta’s since the early 1980s, said he never had a salary before this year.
In 2009, Newcastle budgeted $1500 for Bryant. This year, he told the town he did not want a salary.
“He didn’t want it [to be paid] last year. If he is willing to do it at no cost, fine. We need to save every dime we can,” said Newcastle Selectman Lee Straw.
As harbormaster, Bryant is responsible for directing the placement and inspection of moorings. He is responsible for rescuing boats that have broken away from moorings and assisting the Coast Guard when they requested.
Bryant is the owner of Riverside Boat Company in Newcastle.
“I have always lived in Newcastle. I am glad to help out,” he said.
