Cox: 'It's time to step aside'

GAINESVILLE - Nearly 12 years after his last announced retirement, Gainesville City Manager Carlyle Cox is planning his second retirement.

Cox, who has been at the helm of the city's department since 1995, announced Tuesday that 2002 would be his last at the post.

City Councilman Bob Hamrick, during routine yearly city-wide appointments, nominated Cox for the post and then said he was sorry to hear that this would be his last.

"He has done an outstanding job for the city and it's always a blow when you lose good people, especially someone with his knowledge and ability," Hamrick said.

Cox said he felt it was time to step aside.

"Well, everyone gets to the point when they know it's time. We've done a lot of great work and we have some great people in this department," Cox said.

"I think now is the time. We have two young guys here that are incredibly knowledgable and we'll work with them over the next year to get them ready to step in. Believe me, there won't be a drop off when I leave."

Hamrick, who has been through the process of finding City Managers many times in his 32 years as a councilman, said he wants an expanded search.

"Gainesville is a fantastic place and I think anyone in the country would be interested in this job," Hamrick said. "I would like for this to be a national search. We do have some good people already in the department but we need to make sure that we get as many options as we can."

The council voted unanimously to reappoint Cox to the post for another year. The contract says that either the city or the city manager can give a six-month notice of change. Cox said he plans to give the city notice in June for his departure at the end of the year.

As for regrets, Cox said he has none. And accomplishments?

"There are so many things that we've accomplished I don't think I can name just one. We had a goal of things to do and we've done just about all of them," he said.

"There are some things that will be ongoing - like the water issue - but the city is in great shape to handle them, as well as financially. I'm proud of what this department has done since I've been here."