Floyd’s Town Manager may be headed for the door after a year on the job.
Rumors have circulated recently that Mike Maslaney is about to leave the job he took last Spring but those rumors became public Tuesday while Maslaney delivered his monthly report to Floyd County Supervisors.
Little River Supervisor Virgel Allen asked Maslaney if rumors that he was leaving were true.
Maslaney stared back at the board like a deer caught in headlights on a country road.
Finally, he stumbled over an explanation, saying that "the town board and I are discussing changes that would best serve my needs."
The affable Maslaney is a high-profile town manager, often seen out and about checking progress of the the downtown revitalization effort, jawboning with local citizens and usually wearing a broad smile.
But the smile masks a difficult time dealing with the town’s less than proactive council where some members see progress as a threat to their little turf kingdoms. Others have criticized Maslaney for what they see as a conflict of interest: he is a partner in the Village Green project and served as chairman of the management team that oversees the revitalization grant. Others cringed at Maslaney’s high profile in a post where the previous job holder also mowed town land and worked on the trash collection truck.
Most, us included, applauded Maslaney’s approach to his job. He is guiding the town through a difficult period. His departure, if one is imminent, will be a loss.
Michael has indeed done an outstanding job for the town. His background and expertise has paid untold dividends for the residents of the Town of Floyd. From day one Michael agreed only to stay and help navigate the Town’s CDGB grants. Those grants expire in a few months and per our agreement, he wishes to pursue other interests. We are a happy family and Mike’s a key factor in making our council happy. That’s the facts. I need Doug to better explain his turf battle statement because that seems to be coming from a different council than the one I know. I think the obvious progress being made in the town could only happen with a united and cohesive council. And that is what it is…..and the way it is.
Rob,
I think anyone who has had to deal with the town council, and some town officials, along with the mood du jour when it comes to enforcement of rules and regulations understands the turf wars, which is not limited to just the elected officials.
It’s easy to see different town councils because the mood, and actions, of the council varies from meeting to meeting. The sign ordinance is a good example, especially when it comes to the way the ordinance is enforced on some and ignored for others. The cavalier treatment of those who have worked hard and spent valuable resources to try and bring positive change to the community.
I sometimes wonder if Floyd’s downtown revitalization will become a reality because of the town council or in spite of it.