A longtime employee for the town of Weldon has been named its public utilities director.

Mayor Julia Meacham announced during tonight's board meeting that Jeff Elks was appointed to the position last week.

Several citizens during a public comments section of the meeting complimented Elks for the job he has done, especially when he was still interim during the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.

“I appreciate the opportunity,” he said after the mayor made the announcement.

Elks has been with the town for 11 years, starting as a firefighter and then going to the public works department where, in 2005, he was named assistant public utilities director.

Elks also announced during the meeting that Bob Lyons has received his grade II water treatment certificate.