Peace of mind all summer Tested for even the hottest days

Stokesdale Town Council members unanimously voted at the June 8 council meeting to promote Deputy Town Clerk Robbie Wagoner to town clerk, effective July 1. Afterward – and perhaps only half-jokingly – Councilman Jimmy Landreth told Wagoner, “Now, we’ve bought you some shoes, we’re sending you to school, and we expect you to stay a while.” He then added, “I’m sure that whatever happens, you’ll handle it well.” included a “Primary Tasks” list with 22 responsibilities of the town administrator/clerk, which Foy emphasized he felt was a needed position for the town.

“In my opinion, this is an organizational need,” he said. “…We’re just a little discombobulated right now. Are we structured to be the best? In my opinion, no.”

Councilman Jim Rigsbee asked if state statute would dictate any of the town administrator’s responsibilities, to which Foy said no, but state statute does dictate many of the responsibilities of a town manager.

The town administrator/clerk would have an advisory role with regard to hiring and firing other staff members, but ultimately that responsibility would remain with the five town council members, Foy explained.

Rigsbee agreed it would benefit the town to have a clear chain of command within Town Hall to help oversee the staff.

No motion was made, or action taken on the job description, although the position was discussed during a closed session later in the meeting, and council voted on it after reconvening into open session. Engineering services. Foy explained that earlier this year the town had put out an RFQ (request for qualifications) for general engineering services for its municipal water system. One firm,

Hazen & Sawyer, responded.

Foy then motioned to accept Hazen & Sawyer’s qualifications and to enter into negotiations with the firm for the town’s general engineering needs.

Aaron Babson with Hazen & Sawyer explained that to satisfy requirements for the Dept. of Water Infrastructure grant the town received in the amount of $400,000, the town must go through the RFQ process and the money must be used for engineering services.

 4  0 to approve Foy’s motion. Finance officer training. Finance Officer Kim Thacker requested funding approval for a two-part webinar for finance officers, but noted she had already missed the first part because she hadn’t had approval to cover the cost of registering.

Thacker said she preferred in-person instruction, but this course was only offered virtually.

After discussion, council encouraged Thacker to search for other municipal finance courses that are offered in-person, with the assurance that next fiscal year’s budget could be amended to cover the cost.

Citizen Comments

No one wished to speak during this designated period for citizen comments.

Campers learn how to do hands-only CPR.