By NICOLE CARTRETTE
Staff Writer

Columbus County’s top county position isn’t vacant but the board is looking for a new manager.

The board voted not to renew county manager Jim Varner’s contract on July 2 after a closed session and series of closed sessions that seemingly led up to the vote.

On July 24, advertising began for the position.

While the search has remained confidential to this point at least six interested individuals applied from within and outside of North Carolina.

In a closed session held Sept. 17, the board agreed on three top candidates to set up interviews in the near future.

The position is open until filled and advertisements are listed with the N.C. Association of County Commissioner publications, website, and county website.

The manager serves at the will of the board and oversees 31 departments with a total 473 full-time employees.

The advertisement that ran in local newspapers required applicants have at least a master’s degree in public administration or a related field and five to 10 years of local government experience.

The online advertisement calls for the same minimum education requirements and 10 years of experience.

Varner’s contract ends Oct.4 but he will continue with the county on a month-to-month basis.