To the Editor:

This could be one of the most contradictory statements one has ever heard. “Town Manager Ron Wyatt opened the session, saying that being frugal is key while building a solid foundation for the town and its future. He pointed out that though the budget is increasing significantly, the percentage of increase is still smaller than the percentage of the community’s growth.”

Troutman Town Council members need to have their hearing checked because they are clearly deaf to the voices of their constituents. These are the same elected officials who approved the salary increase of the town manager over a four-year period by 100%, which now stands at $181,240. In addition, to this outrageous salary, the town manager receives a monthly car allowance of $600, cell phone payments, paid life insurance and vacation time and sick day accruals. Note also this shockingly salary adjustment was done under a consent agenda with no public discussion from the council on how this decision was made. The town’s 2025-2026 annual budget will numb taxpayers when it is finalized. All of this for a town with roughly 4,000 residents.

The town manager goes on to say that the town council will need to consider a pause in residential development until the town can increase its sewer capacity. There is not one resident shedding a tear because you may need to “pause” residential development — all caused by an out-of-control council.

I cannot wait to see the proposed budget, but what I do know is when these elected officials allow a free-for-all with taxpayers dollars there will be a breaking point. If a town of 4,000 residents can afford to increase one employee’s salary by 100 percent over a four-year period, this is a body of elected officials who in my opinion are irresponsible and oblivious to the voices of the taxpayers.

If anyone would like reach out to these elected officials, here are their email addresses:

• Teross Young, Mayor: tyoung@troutmannc.gov
• Jerry Oxsher, Mayor Pro Tempore: joxsher@troutmannc.gov
• Paul Henkel: phenkel@troutmannc.gov
• Felina Harris: fharris@troutmannc.gov
• Edward Nau: enau@troutmannc.gov
• Nicholas Jaroszynski: njaroszynski@troutmannc.gov

Dan Hester
Troutman