Weldon Town Administrator Phyllis Lee has tendered her resignation while town Public Utilities Director Donald Crowder has announced his retirement.

Crowder, however, will stay on as director but will work the job part time, Mayor Julia Meacham said today.

Meacham said Lee’s last day will be December 23.

The mayor expressed shock Lee decided to resign. “She was a good fit for the town. She helped clean up our books. She was very efficient and knowledgeable. We hope to be able to get someone of her professional caliber.”

Lee, the former city manager in Roanoke Rapids, said she decided to resign to spend more time with her family. “It has nothing to do with Weldon. Hopefully, I helped some while I was here.”

Meanwhile, Crowder announced his retirement after 30 years. “I knew that was coming, the other was a surprise,” Meacham said of Lee’s announcement to resign.

Crowder’s retirement is effective January 1 but will continue to work part time, the mayor said. “He’s been an excellent employee.”

That Crowder has decided to continue part time work is important, Meacham said, because of the plans the town has to either expand its existing water plant or go with the Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District. A third option is to do nothing. “I’m thankful he will continue to serve in that capacity.”