To the Editor:

The Troutman Town Council has been handed an opportunity to fix what they screwed up on January 4, 2021, when they hired the current town manager, who is now on an extended sick leave. The mess we have in Troutman today is the result of the council’s decision nearly five years ago. Ultimately, the council is the responsible party because they allowed uncontrolled growth of residential and commercial developments. We have traffic issues like a major city, and an annual tax bill that has crippled many citizens. The town has severe deficiencies in its infrastructure and inadequate water and sewer availability. This council and town manager have ignored the demands of the taxpayers and will continue to do so.

Let us not forget that the town manager was hired on January 4, 2021, with an annual salary of $91,500, plus a car a car allowance of $600 per month. Today, the town manager’s annual salary is $188,140, plus car allowance. This equates to an increase of 105 percent in base salary since he was hired. How does this happen? The council has never explained this outrageous contract, which was approved without any discussion in public. 

So, here we are today learning the interim town manager is taking another job. What now, council members? Are you going to find another unqualified town manager? Are you going to sign them to a $200,000 annual salary? Maybe this time you can do your homework and start by interviewing qualified candidates who meet the minimum qualifications of the job. This was not done the last time around.  The taxpayers have seen firsthand what happens when you hire a manager based on “connections” rather than qualifications.

Dan Hester
Troutman