Spruce Pine Town Manager Darlene Butler is retiring after 27 years as Town Clerk and Town Manager. Butler posted on Facebook, ” I have been blessed with amazing co-workers through the years, who have treated me with unfailing fairness, respect and friendship. I have had the good fortune to work with Council members who are vested in the best interests of our town, its citizens, and our employees. I have met people from all walks of life. I have faced challenges, and celebrated happy accomplishments.
I am excited to announce my retirement on December 31, 2024. My husband Michael and I have been weighing retirement decisions for most of 2024. …Spruce Pine was my home for more than six decades, and my career for almost thirty years. I was born here, graduated from Harris High School and App State. I raised three children here of whom I could not be prouder. So, I care. About Spruce Pine’s citizens, businesses and future. I care about our employees and their families. I care about Mitchell County and these mountains. Spruce Pine will always be my hometown.
I’m glad to be part of the team as we cope with the emergencies brought on by Hurricane Helene. I believe that the rebuilding phase, which will take years, will benefit from having your next town manager in place from the planning stages. I know you are in good hands, and I’ve seen fresh and ample evidence in the past four weeks that we have the best employees you could find, any time or anywhere.”
