NEWPORT — David Page sorely misjudged the tenacity of the Newport Board of Selectmen, according to Town Manager Carlo Pilgrim. After a four-year battle, both in and out of court, Newport received the first $500 installment in a series of payments from Page, payments that will total more than $61,000.

Page was hired in 1988 to complete a revaluation of town real estate and failed to complete it in the time allotted, despite several time extensions. When it was turned in, several months late, it was determined to be inaccurate by the State Bureau of Taxation.

Page had been paid $35,000 for most of the project work, money that Newport selectmen fought through the courts to get returned. The process, however, has been lengthy and formidable, costing Newport $16,000 in legal fees.

Pilgrim said that the receipt of the $500 payment was the first indication he has seen that Page recognized his debt. Page repeatedly failed to show up at court appearances and it was not until Newport selectmen voted late last year to sell Page’s Saco home that a financial payment agreement was reached.

The balance due Newport is $61,551.35, as of January 24, 1992, with interest accruing on the principal balance at the rate of 11.5 percent per year.

A breakdown of the total owed Newport is: $46,165, principal amount of judgment; $5,621.31, prejudgment interest; $426.49, post-judgment interest; $826, costs on writ; $189.95, post-judgment costs; $8,322.60, accrued interest from June 1990 to January 1992.

Pilgrim said the next $500 payment is due Monday, Feb. 17. Should Page default on that payment or any others, Pilgrim said Newport still retains the option to sell Page’s property to recoup the total amount owed.

The Kittery town office confirmed Tuesday that Page was hired in October 1991 to fill a full-time permanent assessor’s position.