After 34 years in municipal government, the chief administrative officer of Saugeen Shores is ready for retirement.
Larry Allison announced he will step down from the CAO's position later this year, though he has not yet finalized his departure date.
Looking back on his seven years as the CAO in Saugeen Shores, Allison says it has been successful.
"We have a new official plan, we almost have a fairly new zoning bylaw, which council dealt with tonight, that was a lot of work on the part of staff," says Allison. "I think the community is in a much better financial condition now than when I arrived and we have a number of very exciting projects that are in the offing that my successor will be able to see through to completion."
Allison says he hasn't made many plans for retirement, though he will continue as a board member for the South Bruce Grey Health Centre, as well as continue his role with the Electrical Contractor Registration Agency Advisory Council.
Mayor Mike Smith admits he was caught off guard by Allison's decision, but points out three decades in local politics is a long time to put up with elected officials, adding Allison has done a good job and will be missed.
Smith says the search for a new CAO will begin almost immediately, with Saugeen Shores council expected to discuss the hiring of a recruiting consultant at its April 11th meeting.
