By Amanda Raymond

amanda.raymond@salisburypost.com

Reid Walters has been chosen as the permanent town manager for the town of Spencer.

“I’m excited about moving forward with the town of Spencer,” he said.

The Spencer Board of Aldermen discussed the terms of his employment agreement during a closed session after Tuesday’s meeting.

In an email, Walters said he is still finalizing a few small elements of the contract, but the basics have been negotiated.

He will have a $65,000 base salary with medical and dental benefits. He will also have a $200 monthly car allowance.

Walters took over as interim town manager in December of 2015 after the former town manager, Larry Smith, resigned in November.

The board reviewed 20 applications for the interim town manager position and chose three people to interview.

Spencer Mayor Jim Gobbel said some of the applicants did not want to permanently move into the town, which was something residents said they wanted of the town manager.

“They just didn’t fit as well as Reid,” Mayor Gobbel said.

Walters has lived in Spencer since 2005 and previously served as a member of the Board of Aldermen. He left the board to serve as the town manager of Bethel.

Gobbel said the board was going to wait until a later date to move forward with the hiring process, but since Walters was doing a good job as interim, the board decided to do it now.

“We have really, really been impressed with Reid’s work ethic,” he said.

Gobbel said Walters has been working hard to improve the quality of life of Spencer residents and bring new businesses into the area.

Walters has a bachelor of science degree in public administration from Western Carolina University and will earn a certificate in city and county management from the UNC School of Government in April.

Walters said he will be concentrating on completing the board’s short and long term goals, including cleaning up aspects of the town, working on the issues with Park Plaza, starting conversations about the N.C. Finishing Company site and improving infrastructure.

Walters said he appreciated the opportunity to serve the town he lives in.

Gobbel said the decision at Tuesday’s closed session was unanimous.

“He’s a good fit for Spencer,” Gobbel said.

Contact reporter Amanda Raymond at 704-797-4222.