Matthew Livingston, interim city manager, was officially sworn in on Wednesday, as the new leader of the City’s government operations. Livingston brings nearly 25 years of experience in local government, having served as town manager in Rolesville, Wallace, and Ayden, and as the executive director of the Eastern Carolina Council of Governments.
Livingston replaces former city manager Tim Salmon, whom the council voted unanimously on Monday night to “mutually part ways,” with. Salmon had served as City Manager since May 2019. Goldsboro Mayor Charles Gaylor said an immediate search for a permanent City Manager.
“It has been decided by the Council that we will be separating in a mutual separation between the city and Mr. Tim Salmon,” Gaylor said. “We will be immediately beginning a search for a new City Manager, and we wish Mr. Salmon a fruitful, prosperous next chapter in his life. Speaking personally, I am incredibly grateful for the work he has done in this city. I believe he was worked tirelessly, I believe he has been an incredible advocate for this city. I wish him the best in his next chapter.”
Livingston, who was hired as the City’s Assistant City Manager in June 2022, is optimistic about Goldsboro’s future but realistic about some of the City’s current challenges. His key goals are to work closely with Mayor Gaylor and the City Council to reduce crime, continue to improve the City’s finances, get the current audit done by the end of this fiscal year, stimulate economic development, and ensure quality growth.
“Goldsboro is a small city with some big city challenges, without the big city budget. However, we have great opportunities that we must take advantage of as they present themselves,” Livingston said.
The City of Goldsboro has made some positive changes within the constraints of the current budget.
On Monday, the City Council approved additional pay increases for police officers. By offering more competitive pay, the Goldsboro Police Department can more effectively recruit and retain officers and, over time, alleviate staffing shortages to better address crime throughout the city.
Although the City of Goldsboro has faced challenges in recent years, Livingston expressed confidence in the City’s ability to overcome these obstacles and emerge even stronger.
“Significant growth has already started. Growth brings opportunities that we have not always had. Growth also has its own challenges,” Livingston said. “The growth that is coming, we are going to plan and manage properly. It’s going to be good for the City of Goldsboro. We are a gateway city to eastern North Carolina and a small city with a bright future.”
