Princeville hires new town manager

Princeville leaders found a new town manager.

Town officials appointed David Overton, a retired Windsor resident, as its interim town manager this week during a closed session of its regular board meeting. Overton, 64, will start Monday, working three days a week or more depending on workload. His temporary position will provide time for town officials to choose a full-time manager by December, said Mayor Delia Perkins.

Overton was interviewed by town officials on Monday and was notified of his hiring Tuesday.

Overton’s administrative experience dates back more than 45 years, as he started out as Windsor’s deputy town clerk in 1964. He became the town’s clerk in 1970.

In 1975, Overton was appointed Windsor’s town administrator, until his retirement in 2003.

After retirement, he worked as a financial consultant for Lewiston-Woodville and later an interim town administrator for Aulander. He previous served as Murfreesboro’s interim town administrator until August 2007.

Overton said he was eager to start identifying key issues within the town.

“This is something where everyone will be able to learn from one another,” Overton said. “I hope to serve as a strong resource during my time here.”

Overton replaces Sam Knight, the town’s manager since 2003.

Knight stepped down from his position last week, saying he wanted to retire. Knight told the Telegram his pending litigation, and the influence it may have in the upcoming Edgecombe County elections, played a factor in his retirement.

Knight is accused of appropriating more than $25,000 between August 2004 and December 2006, to a nonexistent construction company for work that was not completed. His next court appearance is on Sept. 21.

After resignation talks with Knight, Perkins said she followed advice from Local Government Commission officials to quickly fill the vacated position. She said the position was integral for specific town operations.

“We’ve talked about it for a while, but the need came up even more when Sam retired,” Perkins said.

Perkins said Overton probably will remain in office after the elections are over, depending on whether if town administration changes after the election.

Perkins did not specifically say what Overton’s duties will consist of for the rest of the year, but mentioned he will implement new town water and sewer projects and also assist residents with hooking up to water lines.

“Town matters that come up need to be handled quickly,” Perkins said. “It’s important to have somebody ready that can move forward with it.”

Before agreeing, Overton said he did not speak with Knight nor did he know why Knight retired. Overton said he found out about Knight’s resignation from media reports.

“I don’t know the circumstances or all of the details,” Overton said. “Managers serve at the pleasure of the board. I just came to do what I can to help out.”

So far, Overton said he has started familiarizing himself with the town’s invoices, expenditures and previous audits to see where expenses could be cut.

“We got a lot to do and a short period of time to do it,” Overton said. “The bottom line is doing what’s right for the citizens.”