Buckland Town Hall
Buckland Town Hall. Credit: FILE PHOTO

BUCKLAND — Bob Markel will likely be interim town administrator for Buckland, pending discussions on employment terms, said Selectman Barry Del Castilho.

The interim position will likely last at least through the May town meeting, Del Castilho said. The Selectboard hopes for Markel to start in early January.

Markel has 12 years of experience in town management, plus 14 years of experience in elected positions in Springfield, including mayor. He has also served on faculty for four colleges and universities in Massachusetts.

Markel was one of two candidates interviewed by the Selectboard on Wednesday, the other being Kevin Paicos. Both candidates were considered “truly impressive” by the Selectboard, Del Castilho said. Markel was chosen for his greater scheduling availability and his experience in dealing with grant funding.