A former Wilson city manager who has helped navigate other municipalities through troubled episodes was named the interim city manager of Roanoke Rapids today.

With Councilman Carl Ferebee absent, council unanimously agreed to hire Edward A. Wyatt, first as interim city manager designee through the end of June and then as interim city manager until a new one is found.

According to a copy of the contract, Wyatt will serve as interim city manager designee beginning Wednesday and interim city manager beginning July 1.

Terms of the contract say Wyatt will work an average of thee to four days a week through the period beginning July 1. Based upon need and necessity, he will work additional days and may work in half day increments.

He will work a minimum of one day per week while serving as designee but has agreed to work additional days as the council desires.

The contract says he agrees to be available by phone for consultation and advice on days he is not working in the city and will respond to emergency situations.

In the agreement Wyatt will coordinate the recruitment and hiring process for the new city manager and other key positions as well as address policies and issues that may be identified by counsel.

He will assist the new city manager in the transition in a manner the person desires.

The city will pay Wyatt at a rate of $200 per half day worked, a half consisting of four hours and a full day eight hours.

The city will pay for mileage to and from Wilson and for travel while engaged with the city.

His compensation includes lodging while working for the city and meal reimbursements. He will be extended vacation days at the rate of one and a half days for every 20 days worked.

He will get a $50 stipend for cell phone use and will be allowed to participate in the Nationwide Retirement Solutions 457 program. The city will match his 401K up to the allowed benefit.

Mayor Emery Doughtie said Wyatt was recommended through the League of Municipalities.

City Manager Paul Sabiston, who will leave at the end of June, "Will help him get up to speed," Doughtie said.

The mayor said he expects Wyatt to help the city fill key department head vacancies as well as help the city on its bid to get a sales tax. He said he wants the interim city manager to help "make something positive on the theater."

Doughtie said Wyatt served as city manager in Wilson for 14 years and has worked as an interim in New Bern and Henderson. "He's been put in some pretty difficult situations."