Wilson's Mills council adopts council-manager government and appoints longtime administrator as town manager

The Wilson's Mills Town Council voted unanimously April 20 to amend the town charter and code to change the form of government from mayor-council to council-manager and to appoint Town Administrator Leighanna Worley as the town's first town manager.

Mayor Fleta Byrd said the change reflects council's view that the town's growth requires a different management structure. The ordinance cites North Carolina General Statute 160A-102 as authority for charter amendments. "This is one of the changes Council feels is necessary for the changes and growth that is happening in the town," Mayor Byrd said during the public hearing.

Council adopted amendments to the town charter and code, including revisions to sections describing the form of government and certain administrative provisions. The ordinance states the amendments take effect upon passage. The motion to adopt the ordinance and appoint Leighanna Worley was made by Councilmember David McGowan, seconded by Councilmember Carolyn Dobbin, and carried unanimously.

Following the vote, the council administered the Town Manager oath to Worley. Mayor Byrd read a proclamation honoring Worley's 20 years of service to the town; staff and council presented Worley with a Japanese maple in recognition of her long tenure.

The change in form of government and the subsequent appointment place day-to-day administration under the town manager model as provided by state statute. Council did not specify transitional personnel changes beyond the appointment at the meeting; implementation details will follow under the new structure.