The popular county administrator is leaving to accept the county manager position in Haywood County. Cotton says the mountain county has characteristics similar to those of Moore, including a heavy tourism influence and a similar size population.

"It's another sad day in Moore County," said David Cummings, chairman of the Moore County Board of Commissioners, after reading the letter of resignation at the board's Monday meeting. "We're the losers."

Cotton's resignation is effective Oct. 6.

Check Wednesday's Pilot and ThePilot.com for the full story.