Salem City Manager Rex Barbee has resigned.
Mayor Nick Farley said the resignation was effective immediately and Assistant City Manager and City Clerk Tabatha Meador will handle any immediate needs of the position until a special city council meeting that has been called for Monday. Items on the agenda include a separation agreement with Barbee and the appointment of an interim city manager.
Farley indicated Meador would not be placed in the position on an interim basis.
Farley says there were no ethical or other issues involved in Barbee leaving the position and they wish Barbee well in future endeavors and thank him for his work as city manager. Barbee’s decision came the day after the city council had met in closed session on Tuesday night to begin its two year performance review of the city manager.
Barbee was appointed City Manager in October 2019. He moved to the position from Mayor a short time after being re-elected to a second term.
Farley says an exhaustive search will be undertaken for a new city manager. He says the city council is not in a hurry and want to find the right person to lead the city forward that is a good fit for the community.
The special city council meeting will be held at six Monday night at Salem City Hall. Farley says the meeting will begin in closed session with an announcement to follow on the severance package and the naming of an interim city manager.
