BY DEBBIE PAGE

The Troutman Town Council voted in closed session on Monday to end its relationship with Town Manager Ron Wyatt due to his inability to perform his duties. Wyatt has been on medical leave since July.

In accordance with his employment contract, Wyatt will receive a $100,000 severance payment and the town will provide insurance coverage until he is eligible for Medicare, Mayor Teross Young said in an interview.

After considering multiple candidates, the council also voted to rehire former Town Manager Justin Longino, who will begin work on December 8. Details of Longino’s contract are still being finalized, the mayor said.

Longino was previously hired as town manager in August of 2017 after serving as the Parks and Recreation director. He resigned in October of 2019.

Longino is currently employed as the assistant city manager in Shelby. In that role, he has provided strategic oversight for six departments and helped lead a workforce of 350 employees and combined operating and capital budget exceeding $98.5 million. He also worked to secure a $500,000 grant for Shelby’s rail trail project; contributed to Shelby’s updated comprehensive land use plan, prioritizing transparency and public input; and oversaw $7.5 million in special projects, including infrastructure initiatives and public-private partnerships.

Longino was town manager of Boiling Springs from 2021- 2023 and previously worked as a local government consultant for the Centralina Regional Council after leaving Troutman.

Longino earned his Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship and Business Development and his Masters in Business Administration and Management from UNC-Wilmington. He has also completed extensive coursework in local government operation from the University of North Carolina School of Government.

During Longino’s previous tenure in Troutman, the town created its first Strategic Master Plan, completed a salary study for employees, began greenway expansions, purchased a downtown building to begin revitalization efforts, installed wayfinding signage to market Troutman’s attractions, and served on various boards and committees in the county.

NEW FINANCE DIRECTOR

The council also voted to hire a new finance director, who is also scheduled to start on December 8. Human Resources Director Terrence Smyre advised that the finance director’s name and information is not public record as of yet, although an offer has been made and accepted.

Current Finance Director Justin Mundy has accepted a position as Alexander County manager.

KEYSTONE BUILDING LOAN APPROVED

In a special meeting on Friday, the council voted to approve the $8.7 million purchase of the 145,244-square-foot Keystone facility on nearly 48 acres of property as well as the 24.84 acres comprising ESC Park, which were previously leased by the town.

Mayor Young said the ESC facility, which is being acquired “as is,” will be renovated for the new Town Hall. After renovations are complete, the current Town Hall building will become the police department.

The council is also discussing future expansion of ESC Park.