Magnolia has a new town manager

MAGNOLIA — Charles Banks will begin his new role as Magnolia Town Manager on Thursday, Dec. 5. Banks will manage a budget of approximately $1.5 million and will be responsible for a staff of 10 employees, seven full-time and three part-time.

Mayor Dawn Ward told Duplin Journal via email that they used the help of David Bone, Eastern Carolina Council executive director, to recruit their new town manager.

“Mr. Bone brought knowledge and counsel to the process that made it much more seamless than it would have otherwise been,” said Ward, explaining that Bone held Zoom calls with each of the 10 candidates during the initial vetting process. The next step involved the town board narrowing down the list of candidates for the in-person interviews, after which Banks was selected and offered the position.

“The board was impressed with all of the candidates who were interviewed in person. Each had their own strengths; however, it was Charles’s financial and business background, along with his upbeat, energetic personality, which led the board to decide he was the best fit for Magnolia,” said Ward.

While Magnolia has been making continuous strides toward growth, there are still challenges Banks will have to address as the new town manager.

“Magnolia’s water and sewer rates remained stagnant for 11 years. Coupled with an elderly infrastructure, the town has faced some challenges with its water and sewer fund,” said Ward, explaining that Banks’ financial expertise is just one of the many strengths that will be instrumental in managing the ongoing journey.

“Another strength that impressed the board was Charles’s tremendous business experience,” said Ward, noting that earlier this year, Magnolia received a technical assistance grant, allowing a representative from the International Economic Development Council to visit Magnolia and engage with local leaders and stakeholders about developing a small business incubator.

“The board is viewing this as a possible kickstart for revitalization of Magnolia’s downtown district. The Board believes Charles’s business experience and contacts will be a great asset in furthering this initiative,” she added.

Ward credited the town’s board for the steps they have taken to move the town in a positive direction that ultimately helped them attract strong talent like Banks. She noted one such endeavor was the streaming of town meetings.

“Most of the candidates who applied for the position commented on having viewed some of the board’s meetings on the town Facebook page. They pointed specifically to the positive interactions of the board and the forward-thinking directions they saw the board wanting to make,” said Ward. “The applicants expressed that these items played a significant role in their desires to apply for the town manager position.”

Banks will be at the Magnolia Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m.