Three Sparta officials resign from office

Three members of the High Country town of Sparta’s local government have recently resigned, including the mayor.

The resignations of Town Manager Ryan Wilmoth and Mayor Wes Brinegar were announced at the March 5 council meeting. 

Brinegar read Wilmoth’s letter of resignation during the meeting. Wilmoth wrote that conflicts with unnamed council members had created “an environment of chaos” and that Sparta should hire a manager more aligned with the current direction of the council.

Near the end of the meeting, Brinegar praised Wilmoth before stepping down himself.

“I will stand behind him 100 percent," he said. "And after this meeting, you will have my resignation as mayor of this town. Good luck in doing the town business.”

Brinegar also read a message from Town Attorney Whitney Ivey, who had resigned in February. In her note, she did not give a reason for leaving but thanked the council for the opportunity to serve as its attorney. At a later press briefing recorded by FOX8, Brinegar indicated that Ivey had resigned in order to spend more time with her family.

Sparta is Alleghany’s county seat.