Hope Mills council fires town manager

The Hope Mills Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 Wednesday to fire Town Manager Randy Beeman.

Commissioner Mike Mitchell, who was elected in November, made the motion to fire Beeman, saying that town residents told him during the campaign that they were concerned about how local government was being run. He also cited concerns over budgeting, personnel policies and relationships with nonprofit agencies.

Under Beeman's contract, he will be paid for the next 60 days.

Finance Director John Ellis was appointed interim town manager.