Chadbourn Town Manager David Wise was fired by town council Tuesday, less than six months after taking the job.
“I think we accomplished a lot, and I wish the town well,” Wise said after the meeting.
The town has now seen seven full time managers in 20 years, with most serving two years or less.
Wise replaced Jason Robinson, who resigned during a dispute over the employment of Police Chief Ken Elliot. Robinson is now the Columbus County manager. Robinson led the town for 23 months. He and former Town Attorney Mike Stephens resigned during a special called meeting that was held in violation of state law.
Jerome Chestnutt served just under two years before Robinson. Chestnutt was assistant town manager before moving to the town’s top slot.
John Bauer served roughly six months and returned briefly as interim manager between Robinson and Wise.
Trey Burke was town manager for roughly six months before resigning and becoming a “temporary consulting manager” for several months between May 2017 and February 2018.
Burke replaced Robert “Bob” Jones, who resigned abruptly in 2016 after serving 14 months.
Burke had replaced Stevie Cox, who was manager from 2007-2014, and resigned to take a job in Maryland.
Former Town Clerk and Finance Officer Patricia Garrell also served as interim manager several times during her 14 years with the town.
Wise’s resignation came after months of conflict with three members of the town council – Mayor Pro Tem Tony Jordan, Councilman Danny Clewis and Councilwoman Avala Nealy. Two central issues were Wise’s tighter policies on water and sewer payments, and a fish market operating in a residential area. Jordan, Clewis and Nealy refused to rezone the fish market, even after Wise suggested a compromise on the market.
An interim manager has not been announced.
