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
We are not all deaf or blind. The scrutiny invites personal attacks, and until health coverage for results of the personal nature and attacks the public brings to the doorsteps of the elected council, there will likely be more silence.
I am so glad I do not live in Troutman. It has lost its small-town charm. God bless all the taxpayers that have to deal with all this rapid development and for the schools that have nowhere to put more students.
Mr. Wyatt must have something on someone on the town council. Corporate America doesn’t give increases like this unless you are promoted to a much higher position. He has the same position and just meets with builders and smokes his cigars on a town owned golf cart on town property. We can’t demand that they fire him because, he has a golden parachute that he will be generously paid if he is asked to leave. Either way we the people of Troutman are screwed until his contract is up. In the meantime, election day will soon be here for some of them, and we can elect them out of office and bring in someone who has the interest of the people in our town. We pay enough in taxes; we should be heard loud and clear by each and every member of the town council. Our tax dollars pay for his rate increase so we should have a say in how much he receives. Email all of the people listed above daily, weekly or monthly and let them know how you feel about this and let them know that they do not have your vote when they are up for re-election.
Iredell County, North Carolina records show Darren E Campbell held one job between 2017 and 2023. One of the most recent records in 2023 lists a job of Sheriff and a pay of $158,882.97.
Now how does the town manager of a town of 4,000 make more annually than the sheriff of a county of 196,000?
Wow, that’s quite a salary, Duck. For a good ‘ol boy, you sure have done well for yourself.
You’re better off contacting the Mayor at his work email address. I wonder if he uses it for town business.
All I see is cars and more cars. Keep approving more developments and say goodbye to that precious greenway.