By Glenn Rolfe

MILLSBORO — A Millsboro woman honored in 2016 by the town for her 38 years of dedication is poised for a return to public service.

Former Town Manager Faye L. Lingo has been tapped as a council appointee to fill a vacancy created this past November when Michelle Truitt resigned as mayor and stepped down from town government.

“I took a little break,” said Ms. Lingo. “I do miss the people. I’m excited to see everybody, so we’ll see what comes of it. Hopefully it will all be good.”

Ms. Lingo will serve the remainder of Ms. Truitt’s term, which expires in June 2023.

Council’s vote was unanimous in supporting Acting Mayor Tim Hodges’ recommended appointment of Ms. Lingo to the town’s seven-member governing body.

“Faye is agreeable to serve — and willing. And I think we all know that she is more than capable,” said Mr. Hodges. “Personally, I think that she’d be an excellent choice, with her history and her knowledge of the town, and working with the town of Millsboro.”

Twenty-three of Ms. Lingo’s 38 years with the town were as town manager, from 1993 to 2016.

Her employment with Millsboro began with a part-time position in payroll/accounts that became full time. She moved to utility clerk/billing clerk. Then, she became town manager, ultimately passing the reins to Sheldon Hudson, the current town manager, in August 2016.

Ms. Lingo notes that while she has not routinely attended council meetings and may not be up to date on all current town issues, she is eager to step in to help in any way.

“I thought that I can maybe, at least until this term is finished … maybe I am familiar enough that I can at least contribute to keep things rolling along. I hope so anyway,” said Ms. Lingo. “So, I said I’d give it a shot. I’m excited.”

Ms. Lingo is scheduled to take the oath of office at council’s Feb. 7 meeting.

The oath will be administered by Mr. Hudson, who worked as assistant town manager for several months under Ms. Lingo before assuming the town manager post upon her retirement.

In tribute to Ms. Lingo’s service, the town named the reception hall in the Millsboro Town Center in her honor.