PITTSBORO — The town of Pittsboro is looking to fill several positions because of anticipated growth and staff losses.
The town’s long-time park’s planner, Paul Horne, is leaving for a job in Washington state after 11 years with the town, including the co-production of the Pittsboro Parks and Recreation System Master Plan, which will guide the town’s park’s planning for years to come.
“I receive great satisfaction in watching people enjoy the park system that I’ve helped to design, develop and craft over the past 11 years,” Horne wrote on a Facebook post announcing his move. “I love seeing children and parents playing in Kiwanis Park, soccer games at Mary Hayes Barber Holmes Park and disc golfers from all over the nation appreciating the nuances of Rock Ridge Park. I’m very proud of this system that I believe reflects the essential values and aspirations of the Pittsboro community.”
Horne’s last day on the job is Nov. 28, according to Pittsboro Town Manager Bryan Gruesbeck.
“Paul [Horne] did a great job with the parks we all enjoy,” Gruesbeck said. “We appreciate his work.”
In the short-term, Horne’s workload is being split between the utilities and planning departments while the position is “evaluated,” according to Gruesbeck.
The town is also seeking a customer service specialist after Terry Buchanan decided to leave her position. That role serves multiple departments including planning, engineering, utilities and the parks departments.
The town is also evaluating three candidates for a new planner position, according to Gruesbeck. That position will provide additional support to the planning department in reviewing plans, performing inspections and researching zoning questions. The planning department currently has only two staff members — Jeff Jones, who is the planning director, and planner Victoria Bailiff.
The town is also seeking an environmental specialist to work in the engineering department. The position requires someone who will assist with the “many environmental programs associated with water quality and development” including “stormwater management, riparian buffer protection, flood damage prevention and watershed management for the town.” Gruesbeck noted that the town has received a “couple of resumes” for the position. Town staff is evaluating if they want to move forward with the position. The engineering department currently has one employee, Elizabeth Goodson, the town’s engineer.