SAUGUS – Saugus Police Lt. Dominic DiMella has been chosen to become the town’s new police chief, Town Manager Andrew Bisignani announced Monday evening.DiMella, a 19-year veteran officer, will take over and receive a $20,000 base pay increase when current Police Chief James MacKay steps into retirement Aug. 1., according to Bisignani.DiMella was chosen after he got the highest score among three candidates who took the police chief’s exam, Bisignani said. Lts. Chuck Wheeler and Ronald Whitten also hoped to get the top job.”There were three very good candidates,” the town manager said.Bisignani was the sole judge of who got the chief’s job. However, he said he interviewed the candidates with the help of Salem Police Chief Robert St. Pierre and consulted with law enforcement officers from other communities outside Saugus.”He sat in and asked questions,” Bisignani said of St. Pierre. “He didn’t participate in the decision making process.”Bisignani also listened to suggestions from residents, business leaders and town officials, he said.Wheeler and Whitten each have 25 years of service at the police department with good credentials, making it difficult for the town manager to make his decision, which he admits he’s been “mulling over” since MacKay announced his retirement in late February.Bisignani said he called all three candidates Monday morning with his decision and based the overriding factors on DiMella’s high test score, completion of an FBI training academy and a good interview.DiMella had applied for the chief position in 2003 when former Chief Edward Felix filed for disability retirement.Given the police department’s budget woes that have cut staffing levels over the past few years, Bisignani said DiMella is facing tough times but remains excited.”He told me he welcomes the challenge to do what’s best for the town and the department. These are very difficult times with limited resources but I feel he’s up for the challenge,” Bisignani said. “I know he’s looking forward to it.”DiMella could not be reached for comment Monday night.