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Town begins search for replacement; special meeting set for May 21

 

COLUMBUS—After a decade in the role, Tim Barth is no longer the town manager of Columbus. Barth was terminated from the position during the Columbus Town Council meeting on Thursday, May 15. 

“Tim Barth is no longer an employee of the Town of Columbus,” said councilmember Becky Kennedy on Monday. “We are currently looking for a new town manager.”

Barth was initially hired in June 2014 as interim town manager after the former manager, Jonathan Kanipe, resigned to become town administrator for the Town of Biltmore. 

Barth, who holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, was the former town manager of Burgaw for five years, Spindale for eleven years, and Maggie Valley for eight years. He was selected from a pool of 40 applicants before being appointed to the full-time position in November 2014.

Barth’s contract included provisions for a six-month severance package in the event of termination.

A special meeting of the Columbus Town Council will be held on May 21, at 4 p.m., at Town Hall to consider the appointment of a Finance Officer. All members of the public are invited to attend.