SELMA – After nine months on the job, Steven Hicks resigned Monday afternoon (Aug 3). His resignation ends his brief tenure with the Town of Selma and a tumultuous relationship with some members on the Selma Town Council who were reportedly upset with his job performance.
Prior to his departure on Monday, Mr. Hicks released a statement to Johnston County Report. “I have been committed to the betterment of Selma and have been privileged to live in a community where I have seen noticeable change in the past few months with new business, homes being purchased, and the quality life of improving. The future of Selma is bright and this is no accident, rather it is the result of hard work and dedicated employees. I wish Council and Selma the best,” Mr. Hicks said.
Mr. Hicks declined to respond to several questions we emailed to him, saying he would have no additional comments.
Selma’s finance director, Rhonda Sommer, has been named acting town manager.
During their monthly meeting set for August 11th, the Selma Town Council will formally accept Mr. Hick’s resignation and appoint an interim town manager.
Hicks reportedly reached a deal hours before the start of a special called meeting on July 30th to submit his resignation effective August 3rd. The topic of the planned meeting was a discussion of his job performance. Under the deal, Hicks will receive severance equal to six months pay, paid medical insurance for six months, and reimbursement for accrued sick leave and vacation time. He was being paid $120,000 annually.
Hicks was Selma’s fourth town manager in as many years.
