TOPSAIL BEACH — Though Doug Shipley announced his resignation last week as Topsail Beach town manager, he was expected to stay on through the end of August. However, commissioners announced in a letter on Monday that Shipley is on a leave absence and someone else has taken the reins.
READ MORE: Topsail Beach town manager resigns
Commissioners appointed assistant town manager Christina Prince Burke to acting town manager, according to a letter posted to the town’s social media page.
“Mr. Shipley will consult with Ms. Burke during this transition, and all parties are confident that this process will ensure the best possible Town government for the citizens of Topsail
Beach,” the letter indicated.
The announcement comes on the heels of Shipley’s resignation letter, sent to commissioners last week. Shipley said he would resign, effective Aug. 29, but vowed to help onboard his successor in the meantime and ensure projects were seen through with little disruption.
In his letter, Shipley noted elected officials and residents’ outlook for the beach town’s future differed from the role he felt he was hired to fill in 2022.
“When I accepted this role, I was inspired by a shared vision of sustainable growth, transparent governance, and community-driven development,” he wrote. “Together, we’ve made meaningful progress in areas such as infrastructure planning, fiscal responsibility, technological advancement, and civic engagement—progress I remain deeply proud of. In recent months, it has become clear that the political environment in Topsail Beach is evolving, bringing with it a shift in priorities and governance objectives.”
The commissioners noted in its response Monday that Topsail Beach has been through significant changes recently that has led to a rapid adjustment among staff and officials. It not only includes “uncertain economic times and severe weather challenges,” but two mayors dying within a six-month timeframe from last fall through spring, also resulting in the appointment of two new commissioners.
Mayor Frank Braxton wrote in the letter: “The staff and the commissioners are aligned in working together to create a sustainable model of growth for this town. This model addresses the needs of the residents and visitors and yet honors and respects the unique culture that has always defined Topsail Beach.”
The commissioners thanked Shipley for his service and contribution to the town’s accomplishments. They also praised Burke for having “an extensive and impressive background in beach town administrative management and close relationships with the staff and residents.”
The town administration shake-up comes less than a week after commissioners approved a 20% tax increase in Topsail Beach, as well as an increase in water rates from $7.06 to $7.76, with the water facility fee rising from $36 to $40.
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