Well, that explains last night’s Danville City Council work session only being a closed session for personnel matters. Joe King has announced his retirement effective Nov. 30th.
Here’s the news release from the city…
Mayor Sherman Saunders announced Wednesday morning that City Manager Joe King has notified the City Council of his intent to retire on Nov. 30.
King, who will turn age 65 in November, presented his retirement notification letter during a closed meeting Tuesday night following Council’s regular business session.
“It has been my honor to serve as Danville’s city manager during the past five years,” King said this morning. “Council, city staff and the community have accomplished many great things together during that time, including restoration of the River District.”
Saunders said King’s decision comes as a surprise to City Council.
“Joe’s decision to retire certainly was something we did not expect, but we thank him for 13 years of service to our city, with the last five of them as city manager,” Saunders said. “We wish the best for Joe and his family, and we hope he enjoys a well-deserved retirement.”
Saunders said King’s signature will remain on the city long after his retirement. As examples, Saunders noted the city’s financial stability, the award-winning Safe and Sound Neighborhood Program, and the award-winning River District Development Project.
“Danville is a great city that has endured much, and with the help of our community partners, Danville will continue to address its challenges and position itself to prosper,” Saunders said. “We are fortunate to have excellent city employees who are well trained and go the extra mile to ensure that our citizens receive the best services.”
In his retirement notification letter to City Council, King stated, “I agree with those who believe that Danville’s greatest days are ahead of us, not in the past. After 13 years working for the City of Danville, I look forward to doing what I can to support Danville as a private citizen.”
King said he is announcing his retirement plans several months in advance to give City Council time to recruit a new city manager and enable a smooth transition. King said he will assist in the transition.
Saunders said City Council will use a search firm in its effort to find a new city manager. The firm will be chosen through a bid process.
King’s local government career has spanned 40 years. He has worked in six local governments located in five states. Prior to joining Danville’s staff 13 years ago as the assistant city manager for Utilities, King served two years in Indonesia as a local government consultant. He holds bachelors and masters degrees in urban affairs from Virginia Tech.
We’ll add to this story as the day goes on.
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