# Special Called Town Council Meeting - 8:30 a.m.

**Body:** Town of Black Mountain — Town Council
**Date:** January 5, 2026 8:30 AM EST (2026-01-05T08:30:00-05:00)
**Location:** 160 Midland Ave., Black Mountain, NC, 28711

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3105

## Summary

The Black Mountain Town Council will hold a special called meeting on January 5th to address key leadership transitions within the town. The primary focus will be selecting an interim Town Manager to fill a current vacancy, followed by discussions about how best to recruit permanent candidates for both the Town Manager and Finance Director positions. The meeting will also include a closed session to discuss legal matters and personnel issues, as permitted by state law.

A significant decision expected at this meeting is the selection and formal agreement with an interim Town Manager, which will impact town operations while a permanent replacement is sought. The council will also be choosing an executive search firm to guide the recruitment process for both key leadership roles, a decision that will influence how the town attracts qualified candidates.

Citizens interested in learning more about these important leadership changes and the process for filling those roles are encouraged to attend the meeting, which will be held at 8:30 AM in Town Hall Council Chambers and streamed online via the town's website (www.townofblackmountain.org).

## Votes

- Council Member Pam King made a motion to exit closed session now that the purpose pursuant to NC General Statute 143-318.11(a)(3) to consult with an attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the public body, which privilege is hereby acknowledged., and N.C.G.S. 143-318.11 (a)(6): to consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, — Passed, 4-0
- Town Council Member Ryan Stone made a motion to appoint Richard Hicks as Interim Town Manager and the proposed employment agreement. — Passed, 4-0

## Documents

- [minutes_2026-01-05.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3105?document=12929)
- [agenda_2026-01-05.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3105?document=12928)

## Sources

- [CivicClerk](https://blackmountainnc.portal.civicclerk.com/#!/events/847)