By Suzanne Hodgson
Staff Writer

A Kennebunk resident is asking the court to review the process Kennebunk Board of Selectmen used to appoint Director of Community Development Caroline Segalla.
John Costin filed a complaint Dec. 24 with the clerk of the York County Superior Court for review of government action. He alleges the town violated the state’s “right to know” law and town charter.
Costin’s complaint alleges selectmen admitted discussing the proposed position in executive session prior to the appointment.
Kennebunk Town Manager Barry Tibbetts maintains the board was allowed to move into executive session because the salary for the new position was being discussed.
Costin also alleges the selectmen and manager violated the Kennebunk Town Charter when they created Segalla’s position as part of a restructuring of departments in town hall.
“The charter only permits the selectmen to move money around within the budget if there is a documented emergency, which no one claims this is,” said Costin in a prepared statement. “Otherwise, such a proposal must go through our budget process and be brought to the Town Meeting for a vote.”
Tibbetts has said that he and the board are able to move money around in the budget without going through the budget or town meeting processes as well as create new positions.
Costin’s wife, Rachel Phipps, was laid off from her position as Youth Services Coordinator when departments were restructured.