BY MILES LAYTON
Staff Writer
Corey Gooden confirmed his resignation as Edenton town manager via an email sent recently.
In the email, Gooden noted that since initially announcing his resignation on Nov. 15, 2024, “both the Council and myself have attempted to explore every option to determine some type of compromise to avoid my departure. … [A]fter much deliberation and multiple hours of strenuous efforts, I have elected to officially uphold my original decision to resign.” (The words in italics were underlined in the email.)
Gooden noted that while his resignation was bittersweet, the emotional distress for Council, residents and himself led him to decide his resignation was the right choice.
“I want to, again, thank each of you personally in providing me with the support and tools necessary to learn and to grow in this role,” Gooden wrote.
In his resignation from Nov. 15, Gooden indicated that his last day of work would be Jan. 15, 2025. Gooden has a contract with the town that is renewed annually.
Edenton Town Council met in emergency session Sunday, Nov. 17, a few days after Gooden sent the initial email announcing his resignation.
In the letter, Gooden thanked people for providing him the “support and tools necessary to learn and grow in this role. … I will always support and promote the Town of Edenton as one of the true gems of North Carolina.”
“All though bittersweet, I must focus on keeping God and my family in mind for the next chapter of my life.”
According to anonymous sources, Sunday’s meeting was held to discuss a pay increase for Gooden.
According to town records, Gooden’s annual contract for 2024 includes an annual salary of $124,440.
There has been no official statement as to whether Council accepted Gooden’s resignation.
Council’s next meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25, in Council chambers. It will be a special joint session with Chowan County Commissioners to discuss a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Confederate Monument.
