A former Boothbay town manager was publicly censured by the executive board of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) during its Dec. 12 board meeting in Washington, D.C. The ICMA board censured James Chaousis for violating three tenets of the organization’s Code of Ethics, according to a Dec. 28 press release.

The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines censure as an official, strong criticism.

Chaousis served as Boothbay town manager from November 2010 to March 2015. He is now Rockland’s city manager. Chaousis’ problems with his former employer began shortly after his departure. In May, a higher than normal cell phone bill led selectmen to discover two unapproved cell phone lines were added to the town manager’s municipal account. On May 28, selectmen directed new Town Manager Dan Bryer to send Chaousis a registered letter requesting payment.

The two unauthorized cell phone lines accumulated $4,388.38 in unauthorized charges dating back to 2011, according to the town auditor.

In the ICMA press release, the organization wrote: “While serving as town manager, Boothbay paid $4,388 for cell phone services for Mr. Chaousis’ wife and daughter. Mr. Chaousis acknowledged he discovered the error shortly after accepting the Rockland position. However, he concealed knowledge of the error and made reimbursement only after Boothbay officials conducted an audit and sought reimbursement.”

The ICMA board ruled Chaousis’ actions violated Tenets 2, 3 and 12 of its Code of Conduct.

Tenet 2 affirms the dignity and worth of the services rendered by government, and to maintain a constructive, creative, and practical attitude toward local government affairs. It also calls for a  deep sense of social responsibility as a trusted public servant.

Tenet 3 calls for dedication to the highest ideals of honor and integrity in all public and personal relationships.

Tenet 12 calls public office a public trust. A member shall not leverage his position for personal gain or benefit.

In reaching its decision, the Board considered three factors: the length of time that personal expenses were inappropriately paid by Boothbay, the fact that Chaousis didn’t take immediate action to resolve the matter when he discovered it, and as the manager, he was obligated to ensure internal practices were sufficient to protect public resources, according to the press release.

After receiving Boothbay’s letter, Chaousis repaid all unauthorized charges on June 19, according to Boothbay Town Manager Dan Bryer.

On Dec. 28, Chaousis, an ICMA member, said he notified the association about the incident.

“After the article occurred in the Boothbay Register, I self-reported the incident,” Chaousis said. “It sounds like I’m going to be censured, and I accept that. I voluntarily submitted my situation for review because I want to be held to the highest ethical standards that all ICMA members are held to.”

The ICMA press release was sent to the Boothbay Register and Knox County publications the Free Press and the Courier Gazette.