By Frederic Lee

Staff writer

The Smithfield Town Council voted in veteran administrator Sanford “Sandy” Wanner as interim town manager Oct. 9, following Brian Thrower’s resignation.  

Town Council members Mike Smith, Randy Pack, Denise Tynes, Valerie Butler and Mayor Carter Williams voted in favor of the appointment. Council members Beth Haywood and Wayne Hall were absent.

Thrower resigned Oct. 1, days following his DUI conviction in Isle of Wight County General District Court.  {mprestriction ids=”1,2,3,4,5,6″}

Wanner has recently filled in as interim county administrators for Surry and Isle of Wight counties. He said his first priority was meeting with town staff and assessing what needs should be immediately met. 

Areas of focus for Wanner include the upcoming rehabilitation project for the Cypress Creek Bridge, traffic soothing on Main Street, updating the town’s sign ordinance and kicking off the search for a permanent town manager, among other tasks. 

Wanner’s contract states that he will work 32 hours a week on a three-month contract, renewable on a month-by-month basis. He added that his time as Smithfield interim town manager would probably exceed the three-month range.

Smithfield’s fiscal 2020-2021 budget wasn’t far down on Wanner’s task list. He said that he plans to meet with several members of town staff to solidify budget priorities for the next fiscal year. 

Wanner’s served locally as interim county administrator for Surry County, following Tyrone Franklin’s exit in June 2018 through April 2019, when Jonathan Lynn assumed the role. Wanner also filled in as county administrator in 2016 when Isle of Wight was between administrators.  

Wanner is employed through the Berkley Group, a local government consulting firm, and also teaches a summer local government class at The College of William and Mary. 

Wanner served as the James City County administrator for many years, and after retiring, has helped localities during periods of transition.  {/mprestriction}