BY DEBBIE PAGE
debbiepage.iredellfreenews@gmail.com
Ron Wyatt, who currently serves as Iredell County Register of Deeds, has accepted the position of town manager of Troutman, effective January 4.
Mayor Teross Young said that Wyatt “has a long history of working in the public sector. Our growing town and staff will benefit from his leadership experience in law enforcement and the registrar’s office.”
“Wyatt has experience managing staff and being an administrator,” he added. “These skills and his common sense approach are characteristics the Council believes make him a great choice for the Town Manager role.”
Wyatt previously accepted and then declined the job in May. The council went on to hire Bryan Gruesbeck in July, but he resigned after the November meeting.
Steve Shealy will continue as interim manager until Wyatt takes over.
Though he enjoys working with his staff at the Register of Deeds office, Wyatt felt this job would be a better fit for him and his family at this time. After talking with the council about the position, Wyatt said, “The opportunities and dynamics were different, and I look forward to helping Troutman and helping things grow.”
“There’s a lot going on. Talking with the council as a whole, there’s opportunities to work together, and the timing is perfect to do things right for Troutman.”
Wyatt wants to ensure that the planning director position gets filled quickly, if it has not already, when he steps into the position. He also recognizes the many challenges that COVID-19 has placed on the Troutman community and wants to manage them in the best way possible.
He commended town employees for their work keeping several projects going despite the pandemic.
“The employees here have been doing a great job so far, even with all the hurdles they have had thrown at them,” he said. “I just want to make sure they have all the tools they need to do their job and to continue growing.”
CONTRACT
Wyatt signed the contract soon after the unanimous vote, which provides a $91,500 base salary, 15 days of annual vacation, and one sick day earned per month. Wyatt is also being credited with the 93 sick days he earned in previous positions.
Other benefits include health, disability, and life insurance. He will also receive a $300 biweekly automobile allowance to compensate for using his personal vehicle on town business and a $30 bi-weekly cell phone stipend.
The town will pay 6 percent of Wyatt’s salary into a 401K and also pay into the Local Government Employees Retirement system at the same percentage all employees receive.
Professional education development, dues, and memberships in professional organizations will also be covered by the town, as will expenses related to attending business-related conferences or meetings.
Wyatt, who formerly served as the town’s mayor, is a native of Troutman who has continued to frequently volunteer at town and community events and attend nearly every town meeting.
In an interview in May, Wyatt said is he committed to supporting town staff, overseeing positive growth while maintaining Troutman’s small town charm, and tackling infrastructure and traffic issues that come with growth.