By David Purtell

david.purtell@salisburypost.com

The man in charge of Salisbury’s Code Enforcement Division is no longer with the city.

Chris Branham’s last day with the city was Wednesday. Thursday, Branham told the Post the reason he decided to resign stems from circumstances surrounding the departure of former city manager Doug Paris last summer. He said he didn’t want to elaborate at the moment, but that he will detail his reasons for leaving to city officials in his exit interview — typically a written letter.

Doug Paris resigned from his position last June after an hours-long closed session with City Council. Paris and city officials refused to give a reason for the resignation, but said it was a mutual decision between Paris and the city.

After Paris left, it was revealed that his severance package totaled more than $200,o00.

In the wake of Paris stepping down, the city’s public information officer, Elaney Hasselmann, quit — but not without receiving a severance package worth $32,700. In her role with the city, Hasselmann reported directly to Paris.

The Post first found out about Branham’s departure Thursday from an anonymous caller.

Branham, who gave the city two-weeks notice before leaving, said he has accepted a job in the private sector, though he said he didn’t want to reveal what the position is until after he starts the new job.

Branham managed two code enforcement officers. The division works to identity and resolve code violations throughout the city — everything from unmowed lawns to dilapidated housing. He was with the city for seven years and helped to consolidate the city’s code services and start the Code Enforcement Division.

Janet Gapen, the city’s director of community planning services and Branham’s boss, said Branham is well respected among city staff and the community. As part of his job, Branham was in constant contact with residents of Salisbury.

He worked with the Housing Advocacy Commission, which focuses on housing and neighborhood conditions across the city. Gapen said she will fill Branham’s role with the commission until a new manager is hired. She said the search for a new division manager will begin this week.

Gapen said she’s confident the other two code enforcement officers can handle the division’s day-to-day operations during the search and that she wants to have the position filled within two-and-a-half months.

Contact Reporter David Purtell at 704-797-4264.