Citing personal and professional reasons, Sylva Town Manager Richard McHargue turned in his letter of resignation Thursday night (May 5).

“I have accepted a position as a planner for Iredell County and will be moving back to my hometown to pursue this opportunity,” McHargue read from a prepared letter. “It is with a great deal of heartfelt emotion that my family and I have determined this move to be in our best interest at the present time.

“I wish to thank the citizens of this community for their support and concern for local affairs; it is through this public participation that communities are sustained and managed effectively, and it is clear that the Sylva community is actively engaged in continually working for the betterment of its people. It has truly been a pleasure to work alongside the citizens in this capacity.”

Board members rather unhappily accepted McHargue’s resignation, citing his work with the town as pro-active and professional.

“Well this is something that I don’t enjoy doing,” Mayor Brenda Oliver said of accepting the resignation. “I wish you would work for 30 more years here.”

McHargue’s resignation takes effect June 10, leaving town board members little time to find a replacement. The board is considering hiring an interim manager.

“The interim might not be a bad idea,” said board member Maurice Moody, explaining that even if a hire was made immediately it would take a while for the new manager to arrive on the job. “They’re going to need to work a notice wherever they are now.”

Board members directed McHargue to begin a search for an interim manager and also to write a full job description for the position. Discussion of that job description will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 12, in town offices.