Saco Public Works Director Patrick Fox will serve as the next Cape Elizabeth Town Manager. Contributed / Patrick Fox 

Saco Public Works Director Patrick Fox will become the next Cape Elizabeth town manager.

In early September, the Cape Elizabeth Town Council voted unanimously to appoint Fox to the position with an annual salary of $160,000. As town manager, Fox will also serve as the town’s tax collector and treasurer.

“I am honored to be appointed as Cape Elizabeth’s town manager,” Fox said. “I deeply appreciate the time and care taken to ensure the right fit for the role and I am committed to proving that you made the right choice.”

Former Cape Elizabeth Town Manager Matthew Sturgis left the role after accepting a position in Cumberland.

Fox began his work in Saco as Public Works director in 2012, and has been the city’s biggest advocate for the saving its eroding shoreline.

Early this year, Fox helped to secure the Army Corps 111 project, which will work to address erosion due to the Camp Ellis jetty in Saco Bay.

In July, Fox introduced the community to a consultant to get a much needed comprehensive beach management plan, and has also been a major contributor to the city’s Climate Action Plan, which will be heading to the council in the next few months.

Fox has also been working on projects to make the coastline more resilient for the upcoming winter season.

At the Sept. 16 City Council meeting, former Councilor Kevin Roche thanked Fox for his leadership and all he has done for the shoreline.

During the winters, Fox personally drove to the city’s coast to make sure damage was cleaned up and roads were ready to go in the spring, Roche said.

“There is no one who works better with others than Pat, and Cape Elizabeth is lucky to have him,” Roche said. “So has been Saco.”

Saco resident David Plavin said that when he moved to Saco seven years ago, Fox came to his coastal home and spent 30 minutes explaining what was happening along the coast.

Two years later, when he had property damage, Plavin said he showed up to Fox’s office unannounced, and Fox spent time explaining to Plavin what he needed to do.

“Personal service is a trademark of Pat’s,” Plavin said. “Pat, you’ll be greatly missed, and I know you’ll do a great job.”

Fox’s three-year term as Cape Elizabeth Town Manager will begin Oct. 7.

“I look forward to working with the town’s staff, getting to know the community, and serving Cape Elizabeth to the best of my abilities,” Fox said.