Dorothy Vorce may have been voted out of office as mayor of Gouverneur, but she's staying on in a leadership position.

During a special meeting of the village Board of Trustees, three of four members voted to appoint Vorce as part-time administrator.

Vorce, who has served as mayor for the last eight years, lost her campaign for re-election to challenger Christopher Miller.

Miller takes office Monday.

"Continuity is crucial," village Trustee Carl Petitto told 7 News.  "This will help out the new mayor. She is the highest qualified person for the job."

Pettito said the trustees decided a while ago to create a part-time administrator job to help ease the transition between mayors.

Vorce planned to serve as mayor for one last term, but was defeated - meaning the transition is happening sooner rather than later.

Pettito said there are a number of projects in the works which need Vorce's expertise.

The projects include major improvements to Main Street as well as providing adequate village water pressure at the Kinney Drugs distribution center.

Charles Newvine was the only trustee to oppose Vorce's appointment.

He told 7 News that he had an obligation to the people of Gouverneur, who didn't re-elect Vorce for a reason.

Newvine said people are not happy with Vorce's job performance and that, on Election Day, those people didn't cast a vote for Miller - they cast a vote against Vorce.

Miller has made no secret that he is a convicted felon.

Vorce will be paid $500 a month in her new job.

Her appointment runs until June 1, which is the end of the village's fiscal year.

7 News was unable to reach Vorce for comment.