Owen Sound city manager Jim Harrold’s tenure with the municipality is winding down.
Harrold’s last day at City Hall is today.
Members of City Council used the end of Monday’s meeting to bid Harrold farewell and thanked him for his service of almost three-and-a-half years in the position.
Harrold has accepted the position of President and CEO of the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority in Moose Factory, Ontario.
Although members of council joked that he’s going to the far north, Harrold points out Moose Factory is the same latitude as Edmonton and London, England, to which some councillors replied that it was still the far north.
Harrold joined the city administration on an interim basis in March 2007 and became the full-time manager later that year, replacing Craig Curtis.
Harrold says working with the city has been a wonderful experience, and it’s not that he’s been unhappy here, but he appreciates the opportunity to move forward to a new challenge.
Mayor Ruth Lovell Stanners says Harrold’s tenure has been important because he taught council and staff to see the city as a service industry.
Harrold will likely be a City Hall next week to tie up some loose ends.
But he’s confident that his replacement, whoever he or she is, will come into a positive situation with a dedicated council and a competent staff.
As for his replacement, Lovell Stanners says it’s hoped that person’s name will be announced soon.
In the meantime, deputy city manager Glen Henry will serve in that role.
