SPENCER — Spencer aldermen had little to say after a lengthy closed session Tuesday night where they evaluated the performance of Town Manager Larry Smith.
The board reconvened only to adjourn, with Mayor Jody Everhart saying “nothing came out” of the closed session. Alderman Jeff Morris quipped, “I think we’ll keep him. Congratulations, Larry.”
Afterward, Everhart said Smith’s salary will not change and most aldermen scored him above average.
“He is performing above our expectations, and that’s from the majority of the board,” Everhart said. “I think with a little bit of communication, everybody will be on board and we will keep the town moving forward.”
Smith needs to communicate better with residents and some aldermen, Everhart said. The mayor acknowledged that it’s hard for Smith to keep all of his bosses — six aldermen and the mayor — up to date and answer all their questions.
“He works for seven individuals with seven personalities,” Everhart said.
Overall, Everhart said, “We’ve got a good man in Larry, and he’s doing an excellent job, and some said an average job. We’ve just got some communication problems.”
Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.