CHADBOURN — The Chadbourn Town Council voted Tuesday night to terminate Town Manager David Wise following a closed-door executive session, ending his tenure less than six months after he was hired to lead the town’s administrative operations.
Council members returned to open session after spending nearly an hour in executive session before approving the action. According to the meeting recording, the board entered executive session approximately 33 minutes into the meeting and returned shortly after the one-hour, 25-minute mark. A motion was then made to terminate the town manager’s contract.
Immediately following the termination, council appointed Rahman Crosby as interim town manager and directed that the position be advertised as officials begin a search for a permanent replacement.
No public explanation for Wise’s dismissal was provided during the open portion of the meeting.
Wise was hired in June to succeed former Town Manager Jason Robinson following a months-long vacancy in the position. At the time of his appointment, town leaders highlighted his background in planning, zoning, community development, historic preservation and downtown redevelopment.
The dismissal comes amid continuing political and administrative turbulence within Chadbourn government. Throughout 2026, the town experienced disputes among elected officials, multiple canceled or shortened meetings, the resignation of key leadership personnel and disagreements over council procedures.
In recent months, Wise had become associated with several policy initiatives, including efforts to strengthen utility billing collection practices, revise development ordinances and address zoning issues involving a seafood market operating in a residential area.
Reports published following Tuesday’s meeting indicated Wise had been involved in ongoing disagreements with some members of the governing board over utility collection policies and zoning matters.
Tuesday’s meeting otherwise focused on routine town business, including employee service recognitions, public comments, infrastructure projects, flood mitigation efforts, utility system improvements and preparations for the annual Christmas parade before council entered executive session.
The town had not released official meeting minutes as of Wednesday evening, and details including the vote count, individual council members’ positions and any severance provisions were not immediately available.
The termination continues a long history of turnover in Chadbourn’s top administrative position. The town has employed multiple managers over the past two decades, with many serving relatively short terms before departing.
More information is expected once official meeting minutes and related public records become available.
Chadbourn Town Council meeting 11-3-2026
© 2026 CoastalCarolinaNews.com | Jones Media Partners LLC
No content from this publication may be reproduced, republished, or used for commercial purposes without prior written authorization from Jones Media Partners LLC. For questions or comments call 910.898.2770 or you can reach out via our Contact Page.
Be the first to comment