Smithfield Public Works Director Fired

City Manager Pete Connet announced Tuesday that Hill was fired Monday. Connet said recent events reported by the media and confirmed by an internal review showed that Hill violated the town's conflict-of-interest rules.

Connet said the search for a new public works director will begin immediately and that he hopes to have the position filled by July 1. In the meantime, Connet and Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Bobby Plowman will coordinate the public works operations.

Hill had been suspended from his $62,000 a year job back on March 26. Connet said at the time that the suspension had to do with alleged wrongdoing, possibly involving a conflict of interest. No further detail has been given as to what Hill did.