Locust city administrator James Inman offered his letter of resignation last week to Mayor Scott Efird after nearly a decade of working for the city and more than seven years as the police chief. Inman has accepted a new position in Bessemer City in Gaston County. The population is twice the size of Locust with a budget four times the size of Locust’s.
Inman will officially turn his position over to Tim Fesperman, assistant city administrator, with the council’s approval. Fesperman and Inman have worked closely together and have known each other since the mid-80s, and Inman feels confident the city will feel no change when he leaves.
“He is aware of everything that goes on in the city and has been a key co-manager on every project that I have been on,” Inman said.
Inman states his decision to move comes from a financially obligation to his family with three children in high school and shortly on their way to college. He said it was time to move to a new position.
“I have been offered a position which will allow me to continue to grow, and which will go far to ensure the economic welfare of my family and me. While this decision has been one of the most difficult I have ever made, in the end, I must place my family and our future first,” stated Inman.
After last month’s town council debate, Inman states the reason for leaving has nothing to do with disagreements in the town hall.
“This doesn’t have anything to do with anything that’s happened with town hall or council. I’m not upset. I’m not leaving under bad will. I don’t think disagreements are a bad thing. It actually encourages open communication. This community is blessed to have the caliber of people serving it that they do.”
Inman will step down from his position as town administrator June 22.
“This community has been really good to me over the years. I’m pleased to have been here, heartbroken to leave, but it’s the right choice for me,” he said.