BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (WLOS) — After months of scrutiny over inspection and permitting practices in Black Mountain and the resignation of the town manager, town leaders say they are focused on moving forward and rebuilding trust with local businesses.
This week, the Town of Black Mountain appointed Richard Hicks as interim town manager, stepping into the role amid fallout from a dispute involving Black Mountain Brewing and broader questions about town oversight.
Hicks, who has more than four decades of local government experience, said restoring confidence starts with transparency, consistency and open communication.
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“I’m only as good as my word,” Hicks said in an interview with News 13. “If you have a question or a concern, I’m going to be honest with you.”
The leadership change follows months of News 13 investigations into how inspections and permits were handled by the town. Coverage that ultimately led town officials to publicly acknowledge mistakes by inspection staff, reversing earlier messaging that placed responsibility solely on the business owner.
Hicks said his role is not to relitigate the past but to stabilize town operations and focus on what comes next.
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“Maybe by having a conversation we can reach some kind of conclusion,” Hicks said. “We do have legal ramifications as to what to do. We do have statutes we have to follow. So, I can’t say I can do everything.”
While Hicks acknowledged the impact the brewing dispute has had on the business community, he said he has not yet spoken directly with brewery owner John Richardson.
“I have not yet,” Hicks said. “A few weeks ago, my wife and I came by just to visit Black Mountain once I had been notified that I was being hired. I did go have a beer at the brewery, but I have not had any conversation with him. That’ll really depend on how things move forward.”
Asked whether he plans to conduct a broader review of prior inspections involving other businesses, Hicks said it’s not currently a top priority.
DEC. 8, 2025 – The Town of Black Mountain acknowledged that former town employees made errors in permitting and inspection practices tied to the closure of Black Mountain Brewing’s upper deck. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)
“I don’t think that’ll be one of my main focuses,” he said, pointing instead to storm recovery projects, budget planning and internal operations.
Black Mountain is still working through dozens of Hurricane Helene recovery projects, many of which are federally funded, and Hicks said ensuring progress on those efforts will take precedence during his tenure. He also emphasized restoring trust within the town government itself.
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“I told staff that I really didn’t care what happened a week ago or six months ago or nine months ago,” Hicks said. “I would base my evaluation of their job performance on what I see moving forward.”
Hicks was candid about the timeline for his interim role, saying he expects to serve at least six months due to the controversy surrounding the town and ongoing recovery work following Helene.
Town officials say the goal is to create stability while a long-term town manager search continues — and to signal a reset in how the town communicates with residents and business owners alike.
As Black Mountain enters this transitional period, Hicks said his approach will be straightforward.
“I don’t have a dog in the fight,” he said. “I’m going to tell people like it is.”
The town says it will continue working toward resolving the brewing dispute while focusing on rebuilding relationships and moving past a period that has shaken public confidence.
