You say ‘Hello’, I say ‘Goodbye’ – Waltz in (officially), Egger on way out

 The Front Royal Town Council bid farewell to one of its own – perhaps with mixed emotions across the dais – and officially greeted its new town manager at Monday evening’s meeting. 

Now, start earning that $125k, Joe … Photos/ Roger Bianchini

Interim Town Manager Joe Waltz officially had the “interim” removed from his title, not without some confusion, as he received the unanimous endorsement of council; and Bébhinn Egger was given an official send off as she prepares for the next step in her personal life, a step that as she noted earlier in the meeting, will see her turn 30 and get married in the same week later this month.

Bébhinn Egger reflected on coming earmarks in her life – turning 30 and getting married in the same week for starters. A move out of state to her fiancé’s home will round out the trifecta.

Egger will be leaving the town and county to join her soon-to-be husband out of state following their marriage.  In fact, her fiancé appeared to be the only “civilian” – non staff or non press – present at Monday’s meeting. 

Mayor Hollis Tharpe presents Egger with a plaque of appreciation for her 3 years of service on council.

Vice-Mayor Tewalt bids Egger farewell, as others wait their turn.

The mayor announced the Town will advertise for Egger’s soon-to-be-vacant council seat from June 15-28.

And while the mayor and council announced Waltz’s selection as permanent town manager at a press conference at the Town Gazebo last Tuesday afternoon, June 6, it wasn’t official until voted on Monday night.

However, Vice-Mayor Gene Tewalt had to point out that Jacob Meza read that motion as presented, incorrectly, in the agenda packet.  I guess after six months, give or take, as “Interim Town Manager”, staff and council had a hard time adjusting to removal of that conditional title.

But a quick re-read deleting the inadvertent “interim” got the ball rolling in the right direction, and the former Town Director of Environmental Services takes on the challenge of leading administration of the town government.  Among the accolades Waltz received from council was credit for shaping the energy portfolio that has kept Front Royal at or near the top of the list of cheapest municipal energy providers in Virginia.

Can’t get much tougher than that, can it, Joe?

And bon voyage, Ms. Egger, and good luck – just remember, 30 is the new 20, or is that the new 14?!!?