Morganton, Valdese still need to fill key positions

The longtime Morganton City Attorney Louis Vinay will retire Sept. 1, but his services might be called upon on a part-time basis until a permanent city attorney is hired.

City Manager Sally Sandy said Vinay will officially retire at the end of the month but may be asked to return in October as a part-time interim city attorney. The paralegal position will remain open until a new attorney is hired.

The City’s staff and council have interviewed several candidates, working diligently to hire the new attorney. Despite those efforts, Sandy said an attorney may not be hired by Vinay’s retirement date.

The City remains in the interviewing and application process, she said.

Applications are being reviewed by the Morganton City Council and the City’s Human Relations Committee, which makes recommendations regarding HR matters. Committee members and senior staff are interviewing select applicants.

A few miles down the road, the Town of Valdese is still looking for a new town manager. According to Mayor Charlie Watts, candidate interviews continue. Executive search firm Baker Tilly is assisting in the search. Applications are no longer being accepted but the search could be reopened if a suitable candidate isn’t found in the current applicant pool.

Interim Town Manager Bryan Steen continues to handle some of the managerial duties on a part-time basis. He is assisted by Assistant Manager/CFO Bo Weichel.

– SB