Pikeville's town manager resigns
By Lee Williams
Published in News on May 14, 2007 1:45 PM
Pikeville lost one of its key leaders last week when it agreed to accept the resignation of town administrator Bob Buchanan.
Mayor Herb Sieger said Buchanan, 58, informed the board of his plans to resign earlier this month. However, the board addressed the issue formally during its May 7 board meeting, he added.
Buchanan's last day was Friday.
"He resigned effective May 11," Sieger said. "We accepted it regretfully."
While Sieger did not provide an exact date of when Buchanan initially informed the board of his plans, he said Buchanan did give the proper two-week notice.
Sieger said personal issues prompted Buchanan to step down from his post after a year of service. Buchanan, a former U.S. Navy pilot and jeans manufacturer, drew a $30,000 salary as the town's administrator, officials said.
"He did a tremendous job," Sieger said. "He had family problems and he's going back to El Salvador."
Sieger called Buchanan's resignation "a big loss" to the town of about 700 residents.
"This would be a big loss for any community," Sieger said. "It's not insurmountable. He's instituted some programs, and he'll help implement them if we need him, and he'll come help if we need him."
Sieger said Buchanan will remain in the area for a while and if he is called to help the board, he will be paid on a contractual basis.
Meanwhile, Town Clerk Kathie Fields has been tapped to serve as interim town administrator until a replacement is found, Sieger said.
Additionally, a job posting has been placed in the North Carolina League of Municipalities Letter and the Southern City Magazine, Ms. Fields said.
Candidates must have a four-year degree in business administration and the salary will be based on qualifications, Sieger said. While a deadline has not been specified, Sieger said the board hopes to find a replacement soon.
"We're going to move on it rapidly," he said.