County, town managers resign two days apart

Published 9:43 am Friday, August 14, 2020

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Davie County Manager John Eller resigned last week.

Two days later, Mocksville Town Manager Matt Settlemyer said he was taking an early retirement.

Eller’s last day will be Oct. 6; Settlemyer’s, Sept. 30.

Eller made the announcement during a closed session of the Davie County Board of Commissioners last week.

“We regretfully accept Mr. Eller’s resignation, but completely support him in his decision,” said Board Chair Terry Renegar. “He has been an outstanding manager for Davie County, moving the needle in a variety of efforts that will have long-term, positive impact on our community. This is a huge loss and we will miss John and the leadership he has provided.”

Eller cited his decision as being right for him and his family.

Eller said county staff were an inspiration to him and instrumental in making the county better and community stronger.

Settlemyer turned in his letter announcing his early retirement on Wednesday, a day after the town board unanimously approved and early incentive retirement plan that he had proposed.

The policy, available to eight employees through December, could save the town money, he said.

“The goal is, if an employee accepts it, we try to freeze that position … or fill it with lower pay.”

It includes no health insurance benefit and a cash payment of 80 percent of the employee’s salary.

The town board held a special meeting on Wednesday to discuss the process of selecting an interim manager.