Edward Wyatt began work today as the interim city manager designee for Roanoke Rapids.

Wyatt, who served as city manager for Wilson for nearly 14 years, was recommended to the city by the League of Municipalities.

He retired from Wilson n 2004 but since then has been active as an interim, most recently in New Bern. "I've worked in situations where the managers may have left things a little unsettled," he said in a telephone interview Wednesday.

Wyatt sees the biggest challenge to Roanoke Rapids as the theater issue.

The other challenge is the economy and the way it has affected local governments. "When I was in New Bern, which is viewed as a well off community, they had to deal with taking some very stringent measures."

Coming in with a lean budget, which Roanoke Rapids has done, without making deep cuts is difficult, Wyatt said.

He believes the city has taken responsible measures to deal with the loss of Planning and Development Director Amanda Jarratt, who took a job in Virginia. "The decision to hire Rivers and Associates to keep the work flow certainly does that. In my heat I feel the city did everything to encourage her to stay."

Wyatt, who was reviewing the budget with outgoing City Manager Paul Sabiston this morning, said he enjoys working as an interim city manager. "I'm very much appreciative of the opportunity to continue public service. I enjoy working with people. For a person who is a retiree, to feel you can use your talents, I'm very grateful."

Council Tuesday unanimously agreed to hire 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.