Keith Rogers Jr. took office as Rocky Mount's new city manager this week.
In an interview with WRAL News, Rogers laid out his vision for the city and explained how he plans to overcome past questions about the office he now holds.
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"In terms of what I see for potential, I think it’s always important that I hear from the community on specifically what they would like to see," said Rocky Mount city manager Keith Rogers Jr.
Rogers spent the last four years managing the town of Dumfries, Virginia. He takes over in the full-time position in Rocky Mount for Rochelle Small-Toney, who went on leave in January and retired in February 2022.
On Thursday, Rogers said he's identified downtown development and access to housing as priorities.
"That means maybe revitalizing current housing, adding additional housing, all those sorts of things," Rogers said.
Rogers said his first 100 days in office line up with the start of budget planning for the season. He's planning a staff retreat in April for city staff to identify areas of need.
"So that we can build areas of focus around those priorities, and the retreat will be an opportunity for me to really spend time with staff in a way that they’re able to talk about their needs and their current operations," Rogers said.
Controversy marred Small-Toney's tenure. A state audit found she exceeded her taxpayer-funded meal allotments by more than $1,500. It included steak and lobster dinners.
In 2021, Small-Toney also organized a city council retreat to a luxury resort in Asheville that cost taxpayers more than $70,000. It cost four times what Small-Toney claimed it would.
Rogers credited interim city manager and longtime employee Peter Varney since Small-Toney left the position.
"I want to really give my appreciation and kudos to the interim city manager, Mr. Varney," Rogers said.
Rogers now assumes office.
"[I'd like to let] everyone know that this is a city that we want to take to the next level, and I came here to do just that," Rogers said.