Duxbury selectmen appointed Richard MacDonald as interim town manager to serve until they find his replacement. The Town Manager will retire from his position on Friday, Jan. 25, but come the following Monday, he’ll still be on the job – just in a slightly different role.

MacDonald announced his retirement in October. He was appointed as town manager in 2006 after working as the director of inspectional services for ten years previously.

Selectmen Chairman Ted Flynn said the move was necessary for a smooth transition.

Selectman Shawn Dahlen said keeping MacDonald as acting town manager was “in the best interests of the community.”

“There’s nothing like having a continuum of the town manager until we officially change to a new town manager, so we don’t have a third party stepping in the middle.” said Dahlen. “It will work in the best interests of the residents and it will work in the best interests of the staff.”

MacDonald, who is retiring because he is 65 and wants to spend more time with his family, said: “I am happy to do it.”

Selectmen said they will direct town counsel Arthur Kreiger to work out a contractual agreement with MacDonald.

At the end of November, selectmen appointed a town manager search committee and charged them with finding qualified candidates. The deadline for applications was December 14.