Commissioners Appoint Interim County Manager

Rutherford County commissioners voted Monday night to appoint Chairman Bryan King as interim county manager, placing an elected official temporarily in charge of day-to-day county operations following the departure of Steve Garrison.

The decision came after commissioners returned from closed session during the meeting. Garrison, who has served as county manager since March 2015, is leaving to join the Governor’s Recovery Office of Western North Carolina (GROW NC), a state agency coordinating long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts across the region following Hurricane Helene.

Commissioners and speakers, including Rutherfordton Mayor Jimmy Dancy, Rutherfordton Town Manager Doug Barrick, and Spindale Town Manager Scott Webber, praised Garrison for steady leadership through emergencies, infrastructure expansion, and complex intergovernmental work. His move to the governor’s office comes as Western North Carolina continues to navigate storm recovery, housing challenges, and infrastructure repairs.

While the leadership transition drew immediate attention, it was only one part of a lengthy and consequential meeting that also included storm-related budget amendments, changes to financial controls, enforcement of unpaid property taxes, election policy updates, and recognition of public servants.

King assumes interim role

The board unanimously approved King’s appointment and authorized an employment agreement, emphasizing that the position is temporary while commissioners consider how to proceed with a permanent hire.

Under North Carolina law, commissioners may appoint an interim manager. However, King’s dual role—as both interim manager and voting commissioner—adds a layer of public scrutiny. As interim manager, King assumes executive authority over county operations, including budget preparation and staff oversight, while retaining his legislative vote on the board.

Financial controls adjusted

As part of the transition, commissioners approved updates to bank signature cards and authorized Finance Director Paula Roach and/or Planning Director Danny Searcy as additional signers on certain accounts, acting as deputy county managers. Officials described the move as a transparency and continuity measure during the change in leadership.

Storm damage drives budget changes

Commissioners approved budget amendments tied to flooding at a county-owned building in December, covering relocation costs and early repair estimates. County staff said additional amendments are likely as reconstruction expenses are finalized.

Unpaid property taxes and elections

The board accepted the annual report on 2025 unpaid property taxes, authorized advertising of delinquent tax liens between March and May, and approved formal collection actions. Commissioners stressed that foreclosure remains a last resort.

Ahead of upcoming elections, commissioners also approved revisions to the county’s political sign and campaigning policy. The changes reflect the relocation of the Board of Elections and early voting to the new Government Services Center on College Avenue, aligning county policy with statutory election buffer zones and, in some cases, extending beyond minimum state requirements.

Service recognized

Commissioners approved a resolution awarding Detective Julie Greene her service sidearm and badge upon retirement, recognizing her years of service with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, including investigative and special response work.

Closed session and next steps

The board entered closed session under state law to discuss personnel matters before returning to open session to finalize King’s appointment and adjourn.

Looking ahead, commissioners are expected to outline a process and timeline for hiring a permanent county manager. In the meantime, King will oversee preparation of the next fiscal year budget, a role that traditionally belongs to the county manager and is likely to draw close public attention.

For more information, read the meeting transcript, agenda, and meeting documents.