By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

EAST SPENCER — The East Spencer town board appointed Alderwoman Phronice Johnson as interim finance director earlier this week. The appointment comes a week after the abrupt resignation of Anneissa Hyde, who also served as town clerk.

Hyde had been clerk and finance director since 2010. She submitted her resignation letter a week ago by email. She told a Post reporter that she has taken another job.

Interim Town Administrator F.E. Isenhour said Johnson had some experience in finance while at Winston-Salem State University. The board did not give a timeline for finding a permanent replacement.

Isenhour said Johnson does not want to remain in the position for long. There were some initial concerns about a conflict of interest because Johnson serves on the board, but Isenhour said there is none.

The board also appointed administrative assistant Shataira Bailey as interim town clerk. Isenhour said it’s possible that Bailey will serve in that capacity permanently.

The town board approved March 9 as its planning retreat date. The board plans to meet again at the Gateway Building in downtown Salisbury for what will likely be a six-hour meeting beginning about 9 a.m.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.