A former Albemarle city manager has been offered the opportunity to lead another town.

Norwood Town Council voted to offer the interim town administrator position to Ray Allen, who served as the Albemarle city manager from 1986 until 2014.

He will be offered a contract to be drafted by the board’s lawyer, Jim Phillips. Allen would replace John Mullis, whose contract will not be renewed per the town’s previous council meeting.

The motion for Allen’s contract was made by Norwood mayor Harold Thompson and seconded by commissioner Wes Hartsell, passing unanimously.

Allen’s potential position came after a number of public comments directed to the council by citizens wanting to see Mullis continue as the town’s administrator. Norwood’s council meeting room was nearly standing-room only as citizens filled the available seating.

During the public comment session, four members of the community spoke to voice their opinions to Mullis’ contract not being renewed.

Eddie Shrum, speaking to the council, said Mullis has been “constantly working and trying to make the town better,” while Keith Morgan said he felt Norwood was a “better place” because of the Mullis’ efforts and added the board “was making a big mistake.”

Julian Burgan commended Mullis’ work with Norwood saying he “did a good job for our town.”

Louise McCall, chairwoman of the Norwood Business Association, said she was “extremely disappointed” with the town commission and that Mullis “is irreplaceable.”

Thompson said since the comments were regarding personnel neither he nor members of the council could discuss the topic in the meeting or otherwise comment on it.

Mullis will continue to serve as the town’s administrator through February.