Bailey Nager has resigned as town attorney for the towns of Columbus, Saluda and Tryon.

Nager said being the attorney for three towns and running his own law firm has become overwhelming and he would like to concentrate on his business. Nager has a law office in Tryon.

Columbus Town Council met Nov. 17 and discussed its plans to replace Nager.

Columbus Town Manager Tim Barth said Nager has agreed to stay on until the town finds a replacement so the town doesn’t have to hire the first person it finds.

Barth thanked Nager for all he has done for the town as well as for agreeing to stay on until the town finds the right replacement.

Barth said he plans to discuss a replacement with the other town managers this week. Barth suggested the three towns find one attorney to represent them all as Nager has done.

“I think we will have more buying power as three towns rather than each town trying to find its own attorney,” Barth said.

Barth said if the other two towns are in agreement, the managers could send out requests for proposals and have each board interview the top three candidates.

The Town of Tryon and the City of Saluda have not yet discussed Nager’s resignation publicly.