Biddeford’s city manager, Truc Dever, is leaving her role after less than a year.
Dever submitted a letter of resignation to Mayor Liam LaFountain and the City Council on Sunday night, the city announced in a news release Monday morning.
Dever was hired last summer to succeed Jim Bennett as city manager. She previously worked as the director of public works in Kirkland, Washington, before her arrival in Biddeford.
In her resignation letter, Dever mentioned “the scope and complexity of the issues facing (the city) — many of which are long-standing and systemic,” according to the city’s news release.
Biddeford has faced a number of financial difficulties in recent years, including hundreds of thousands in IRS fines — which were later waived by the federal agency — for late tax filings from 2020 and 2021.
The city noted in its news release that Dever “led the city through a difficult and demanding (fiscal year 2027) budget season.” The city’s $54 million budget proposal for 2027 represents about a 12.5% increase, though Dever noted last month that the proposal is only a “rough overview” that will change based on county taxes, ongoing audits and other factors.
Dever confirmed Monday that she had submitted her resignation but declined to comment further on her departure.
In a written statement in response to Dever’s resignation letter, LaFountain thanked her for her service and wished her the best in the future.
“Transitions like this are part of public service, and Biddeford has weathered them before,” LaFountain said. “The work ahead is significant — finalizing a tight budget, addressing long-deferred priorities, and strengthening the foundation of city government.
“But Biddeford is a city built on the strength of its people, and I am confident in the future we will build together.”
Dever’s contract requires her to give a six-month notice of resignation, but she’s asking the City Council to allow her to depart in three months.
The City Council has scheduled a special meeting for Tuesday evening to consider that request and plan out its next steps. Those discussions are expected to be held behind closed doors in an executive session, according to a meeting agenda posted Monday.