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The Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors emerged from a closed session Tuesday night, April 14, and voted 5-3 to not renew County Administrator Wade Bartlett’s contract.

“This was not due to cause,” Board Chairman Jerry R. Townsend said of the decision in a Wednesday, April 15, statement. “The majority of the board believes that at this time, the county will benefit from a change in direction with new leadership.”

Those voting “yes” to not renew Bartlett’s contract included Farmville 801 District Supervisor Pattie Cooper-Jones, Prospect District Supervisor and Board Vice Chairman J. David Emert, Hampden District Supervisor Dr. Odessa Pride, Leigh District Supervisor Townsend and Farmville 701 District Supervisor Jim Wilck.

Those voting “no” included Farmville 101 District Supervisor Beverly M. Booth, Buffalo District Supervisor Llew Gilliam Jr. and Lockett District Supervisor Robert M. “Bobby” Jones.

Bartlett’s contract expires June 30.

“Mr. Bartlett has served the county in his position for almost 13 years, and we are thankful for his dedication, hard work and service,” Townsend stated. “We want to wish him the best in his future endeavors as he begins a new chapter in his career.”