Buxton could have a new police chief by the beginning of November.

The Board of Selectmen on Monday interviewed three candidates for the position vacated in June by Jody Thomas, and interviewed a fourth candidate on Tuesday, said Chairwoman Jean Harmon.

Harmon would not identify the candidates because it is against the town’s policy to discuss a candidate during the hiring process.

“It’s been going smoothly,” Harmon said. “Hopefully we will make a decision in the next couple of weeks.”

Buxton has been looking for a new police chief since Thomas resigned. The town advertised for the position in August and received 36 resumes from across the country. Earlier this month the Board of Selectmen, along with Saco Police Chief Brad Paul and Gorham Police Chief Ron Shepard, narrowed the resumes to five candidates to interview, but one candidate received a job some where else, Harmon said.

Harmon said that both Paul and Shepard’s input has been invaluable in the process.

“It’s extremely important to have their expertise in the police field,” she said. “We can ask all the questions in the world, but not knowing the police side of things we don’t necessarily know what the appropriate answer should be.”

Cpl. Kim Emery and officer Mike Grovo have shared acting police chief duties since Thomas’ departure. Selectman Cliff Emery said the department is running as smoothly as it can giving the situation, but the town needs a police chief.

“It’s extremely important that we have someone in place,” he said. “There needs to be a person in charge in that department just as soon as possible.”

As a part of Thomas’ July 2 resignation, the town paid her $46,000 in severance pay. When the town hires a new chief, it might need to convene a special town meeting to approve the new chief’s salary of around $60,000 if there isn’t room in the budget, Harmon said.

If voters need to approve the addition to the budget, the town would pull the money from the undesignated surplus, Harmon has said previously. If residents do not approve it, then the board would need to discuss a contingency plan, Harmon said.