SACO — Suggestions made by Mayor Don Pilon to rethink the position of economic development director did not get a great deal of support from the council.

Long-time Economic Development Director Peter Morelli has left his position with the city to pursue a job with AARP, and the city has begun advertising for the vacancy.

The city council discussed the vacancy in a workshop Monday night.

Pilon suggested the city partner with Biddeford and share an economic development director. He described Biddeford Economic Development Director Daniel Stevenson as dynamic and aggressive. The two cities could share revenue from new businesses, said Pilon.

Councilor Leslie Smith noted an agreement the two cities had regarding Maine Energy, and that Saco had “to fight” for every penny.

Councilors Eric Cote and Nathan Johnston referred to the failure of Regional School Unit 23, which Cote said cost the city a lot of money.

Pilon also suggested the city look into hiring two positions, one of which could be a grant writer.

“He or she will pay for themselves,” he said of a grant writer.

Johnston said Morelli wrote grants.

The position of economic development director is not a charter required position, and thus is appointed by the city administrator.

City Administrator Richard Michaud said the level of grants available is shrinking.

“I’m not looking to reorganize the department,” said Michaud.

The economic development director, as part of their duties, fills in for the city administrator in their absence. The city council voted Monday night for Finance Director Cheryl Fournier to serve as acting city administrator, should Michaud be absent.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].