25-year career ends in AprilBy Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
At the end of April, Fred Moore will conclude 25 years of service as an N.C. magistrate.He said the requirement for full state retirement is 30 years of service at any age, five years service at age 65 and 25 years at age 60.
“Without coming out and stating my upcoming age, I will only say I will qualify for the last category mentioned ó with a reduction in benefits since I withdrew some of my retirement several years ago to start a landscaping business,” Moore said.
He’s also worked part time jobs for more than 20 years of his career.
Resident Superior Court Judge John L. Holshouser said Moore “will hold over and continue his duties until April.”
Holshouser appoints all magistrates to four-year terms.
Once Moore’s time is up, Holshouser said he’ll ask that Clerk of Court Jeff Barger provide him a list of potential applicants.
“I’ll make an appointment at that time. There should be no gap in services,” Holshouser said.
There are no other expected retirements or resignings in the magistrate’s office, Holshouser said.
He said when the clerk makes recommendations, he assumes the clerk “has already interviewed all existing magistrates who would express a desire to continue.”
Including Moore, there are nine magistrates in Rowan County.
When asked why retire now, Moore simply said, “It’s time to retire.”
He’ll spend a lot of time in Myrtle Beach, he said.
“I will probably keep Highway 52 to SC 9 to Highway 17 pretty hot,” Moore said.
Post writer Jessie Burchette contributed to this story.