Wyatt has resigned and Monday was his last official board meeting. Today is his last day on the job in Moore County before he leaves to assume similar duties in Henderson County.
“He’s been a very, very capable manager,” said Board Chairman David J. Cummings at the beginning of the Monday afternoon meeting. He’s helped me a lot.”
Board Vice Chairwoman Virginia Saunders said, “He’s been very good for Moore County. Steve led us in the right direction.”
“I hope you’ll remember us well,” said Commissioner Colin McKenzie, who added his wish that Wyatt will be as helpful to another county as he has been to Moore.
Commissioners Michael R. Holden and Tim Lea also expressed good wishes for his future endeavors.
“Rest assured, you’ll not be forgotten,” Wyatt said. “Friendships will carry on.”
His remarks followed a hearty laugh generated by the mass exit of several county employees, just as the presentations were being made. They were employees present for service awards and were simply returning to offices and work stations after accepting their recognitions. But their exit at just that moment made it appear they were making a statement about their departing boss.
“I told them that once the celebration ended, it was back to work for everybody,” Wyatt said with good humor.
Wyatt was presented a resolution signed by all five commissioners along with a framed copy of the Moore County seal.
The resolution cites a series of accomplishments attributed to Wyatt during his period in Moore County. Among them are implementation of performance-based budgeting to provide tangible measurements, development of an employee wellness center to reduce health care costs, initiation of a 10-year capital improvement plan for the utilities system, implementation of a pay plan providing “competitive pay and career growth for county employees,” upgraded GIS (geographic information system) capabilities, and implementation of an information technology plan.
Wyatt’s work toward development of a senior enrichment center to be established in the Blue’s Crossing property was recognized, along with a facilities master plan for a government public service center. He was also credited with restoring the county newsletter to improve communications among personnel and other groups. The resolution praises Wyatt’s “high level of professionalism and accountability” and also notes that he “championed the collaboration and regionalization of neighboring jurisdictions and municipalities.” He has also been active with the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and the North Carolina City and County Management Association. The document closes with the recognition of Wyatt “for his outstanding level of professionalism and commitment of public service to the citizens of the County of Moore.”
Wyatt assumed his duties in Moore County in May 2003. He previously served as deputy manager in Catawba County.
Florence Gilkeson can be reached at 947-4962 or by e-mail at florence@thepilot.com.
