City Manager Cumley announces 2008 retirement

Cumley, 64, was named city manager in October 2005, when former city manager Tom Finnie announced his April 2006 retirement. At the time, Cumley had been eyeing retirement himself and said he would serve for two or three years.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my tenure with the city of Springfield and have appreciated the support I have received from this and previous councils,” Cumley said in a letter to Mayor Tom Carlson and Springfield City Council. “I take much pride in what the city has accomplished during my tenure and take comfort in knowing the city is in good hands.”

Carlson will forward a resolution to council Nov. 5 to begin a national search for Cumley’s replacement, according to a city news release. Carlson will recommend that Mayor Pro Tem Gary Deaver chair a search committee comprising council members, city staff and private citizens.

The city manager is responsible for overseeing the city’s $240 million annual operating budget and a 1,600-member staff.

Cumley has been instrumental in efforts such as creating a new crime lab for southwest Missouri, which will open next year, and making changes to the Police/Fire Pension System to improve its funding ratio and long-term stability, according to the release.

Cumley began with the city in 1973 as director of personnel. In 1983, he was named assistant city manager, a role in which he served for 18 years before being named deputy city manager. He held that position until he took over for Finnie.

This story originally appeared in SBJ’s Oct. 23 free e-news Daily Update. Click here to register.[[In-content Ad]]