City Manager Hank Griffeth served at his last city council meeting Nov. 18 after 11 years working for the city. He offered a heartfelt speech closing his final city manager’s report during the meeting, near tears.
Griffeth was hired in June of 2019 as the interim city manager.
In March of 2020, COVID hit and Griffeth expressed that many challenges and changes came due to that, some that still remain to the present.
“I think we have weathered it well as a city,” Griffeth said. “Despite a rocky start, you all made me the city manager in June of 2020, and we have accomplished many things that I am proud of.”
Griffeth highlighted a few accomplishments he was most proud of, including an updated, an updated salary scale, spending over $4 million on stormwater infrastructure improvements, replacing the playground equipment at Central City Park, renewing the city ethics designation, purchasing a building to utilize and turn into Fire Station 3, and completion of service line inventory mandated by the federal government.
“I told you all about my retirement date in October,” said Griffeth.
“I’m appreciative of the more than 11 years you allowed me to work with the city, first as the city planner and then as the city manager. It has been an honor and privilege to serve the people of my hometown for that entire time, especially the last six-and-a-half years as city manager.
“My tenure here has been rewarding and I am extremely proud of the projects completed, the strengthening of our municipal services, and the fostering of a collaborative environment among our dedicated staff. Milledgeville is truly a special place I love, and this decision has not been made lightly,” Griffeth added. “I want to express my deepest gratitude to you (the council) and extend my profound thanks to the department heads and entire team of city employees for their professionalism, hard work, and dedication which make Milledgeville thrive.”
Griffeth emphasized that he is not retiring due to any grudges, tension, or arguments but because he is ready to “slow down.”
“I’m appreciative of the chance to manage this city. It is the hardest job I have ever had, but in some regards the most rewarding I have ever had,” said Griffeth. “I will forever be grateful.”
Griffeth unveiled a lapel pin to the council with the city seal on it that was given to each current council member and will be gifted to previous elected officials.
“I thought about something I could leave you all with,” said Griffeth.
“If you have ever spoken with someone in or who was a part of the Georgia General Assembly, they all wear a lapel pin. So I asked our former Georgia Senator Johnny Grant what the meaning was … and, at the time, the secretary of the senate commissioned a pin for the state senate for all current and previous senators to receive and wear. So, I decided that is what I wanted to do for the city council.”
This pin will become the “pin of the club” for the City of Milledgeville, Griffeth said with his voice cracking as he shared one last thanks directly to the council.
“He is the best and he will truly be missed,” said Council Member Dr.
Collinda Lee as Griffeth handed out the pins. “We love you (Hank).”
City Council appointed Melba A. Hilson-Butts to serve as interim county manager to fill Griffeth’s role.