Morganton planner position vacant after resignation

The City of Morganton planner position, which took more than a year to fill, is vacant once again.

Former young planner Logan Hanchett officially resigned on Dec. 9, with his last day being Nov. 26, according to Human Resources Director Rus Scherer. The planner position was placed back on the job opportunities page of the City’s website on Friday, Dec. 13.

Hanchett began his new position on Aug. 12 and resigned only five months later. City officials could not comment why he resigned since it is a personnel matter.

Hanchett has not responded to The Paper’s request for comment.

Hanchett’s role within the Development & Design department was focused on exploring ways to enhance the development and growth of the city through zoning and reviewing submitted plans. He previously said he was guiding development in line with the City’s goals. Hanchett’s starting salary was $55,939.

Public Information Officer Jonelle Sigmon confirmed that the department has two people reviewing planning applications, part of their usual department structure.

In the past, the department had contracted with the Western Piedmont Council of Government (WPCOG) for planning support. “We are not engaging the WPCOG to assist at this time,” Sigmon said.

When asked about the increased workload after Hurricane Helene, Sigmon said the open city planner position is not impacting the City’s ability to respond because most of the additional work is handled by the building division, not planners.