Former Roanoke Rapids City Manager Phyllis Lee is now a consultant for the town of Weldon.

The board made the decision to hire Lee following a closed session at its meeting Monday night, Mayor Julia Meacham confirmed.

Lee’s first meeting with the town will be a March 22 budget work session at 1 p.m.

That Lee’s first meeting is a budget work session makes sense because she will be advising the town on financial matters, Meacham said. “She will be helping work on the budget and financial issues. She comes highly recommended.”

Meacham said as a new mayor and having what she described as a fairly new board, “I want us to make good decisions. We want to know we are financially sound so we can use the taxpayers’ money the best we can, that we can operate as efficiently as we can.”

Meacham said Lee will able to help the town board stay within its budget. This is important because the town is in the middle of cleanup efforts it hopes will lead to economic development. “To look at these buildings is a hindrance to promoting economic development. The issue was neglected by previous boards. This board has different priorities than previous boards.”

While the town is currently advertising for a town administrator, Meacham said Lee has no interest in that position. “I know she’s got qualifications for finances and helping us make good decisions.”

Lee, who will be paid $25 an hour, said she was excited about the opportunity. “I was a little surprised. I look forward to getting back and doing some finance.”

Lee said the town currently does not have a finance director. “A lot of the board members are new and not familiar with doing a budget. That’s my strength. I will do whatever special projects they want done.”