HELEN — Helen Building and Zoning Director Larry Krul is leaving full-time employment with the city May 12.
Krul told the city commission Tuesday he has accepted a position as a contract compliance specialist with the Georgia State Finance and Investment Commission, working as an owner’s representative on any construction projects where the state provides bonds or funding.
“It was a hard decision to make, believe me,” Krul told commissioners.
“I’m sad that we’re losing Larry Krul,” Mayor Helen Wilkins said after the meeting. “He’s not only a great building and zoning director, but he is a great person and he’s always upbeat. That’s a tough job and usually people are not happy to see the building and zoning guy coming, but he’s not made any enemies as far as I know while he’s been here, and he’s been a pleasure to work and we’re really going to miss him.
“But we’re proud of him and this is a state job that he has been wanting for a while and it’s come through, and we’ll miss him,” Wilkins said.
One of the first state projects Krul will be involved with is the construction of the new Industrial Technology Center on the Clarkesville campus of North Georgia Technical College.
Even through Krul’s last day as a full-time employee is May 12, he’s not leaving Helen employment totally yet.
The city commission held a closed session Tuesday to discuss its direction going forward, including keeping Krul on a temporary basis during the transition period.
“He’s going to stay on with us on a part-time, temporary basis until some projects are finished,” Wilkins said.
“It’s been a pleasure to work here, and I leave it in good hands,” Krul said.
White County’s inspectors have agreed to help out the city until a new building and zoning official can be hired by the City of Helen.
