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BUCKHANNON -- Citing recent significant health issues as well as work and family obligations that have kept him from being as involved as he would like to be, city recorder Colin Reger stepped down from his position effective today.
"Unfortunately, my schedule doesn't appear to clear up for the foreseeable future, and I do not wish to place continued undue strain on administrative staff members," Reger read in a prepared statement at Thursday's Buckhannon City Council meeting. "It is best for me to make way for another individual who will be able to make all of the meetings and better assist the mayor and council in their various obligations and duties."
Reger was elected in 2018 to a four-year term as city recorder. He is president and chief executive officer of Monco Constructors, Inc. Amberle Jenkins, director of administration and finance, also serves as assistant city recorder.
"Amby and everyone works really hard to make up for the times when I am not able to be around," he said at the meeting. "With a growing company and a young family, it's really hard to do this job very well which I would prefer to do. I see this as getting myself out of the way for someone who is retired and may have a little more time on their hands."
Reger continued in his prepared statement, "I would like to also take this opportunity to express my gratitude towards the people of Buckhannon for showing great kindness to my family and I, as well as to the members of the council, the mayor, the city employees, and all the members of the media who I interact with on a regular basis. I am better having gotten to know each one of you, and my door is open for all of you.
"Buckhannon is the greatest city in our state, and I will continue to make myself available, as I am able to contribute to many of the wonderful things our people are doing here. I still very much believe in the vision for a brighter future."
Mayor David McCauley said Reger had tipped him off to the resignation a couple hours prior to the meeting and shared his own statement.
"Colin is a dear friend and I encouraged him -- OK I begged him -- to reconsider his resignation, or at least delay it. His decision left me speechless, and that's saying something to shut me up. I believe that this body and this organization that we all love ad support are better as a consequence of his year of service as our city recorder.
"We haven't agreed on every issue that has come before the council, nor do I always agree with the other members of this body on the difficult and sometimes contentious matters that come before us. But let there be no doubt, that there is value in disagreement, and in the process of considering perspectives that vary from our own."
McCauley wished Reger the very best.
Councilman David Thomas said the news was a shock.
"It's really encouraging to have younger people get involved in the city's process," he said. "Colin, I wish you the best. I know you will do well. You are very thoughtful when you speak on issues. I have enjoyed listening to the thought process there. I'm going to miss it."
McCauley proposed a time table for appointment of a new city recorder with letters of interest and other application materials postmarked or hand delivered by May 25, a special council meeting to review all applications on Tuesday, May 28 at 6 p.m. and interviews to be conducted on Tuesday, June 4 at 6 p.m.
The new city recorder could be announced at the beginning of the June 6 council meeting and begin service after being sworn in.
McCauley said the appointed city recorder will serve until the May 5, 2020 election is certified and the winner of the election will serve the remainder of Reger's term through June 30, 2022. Council woman Pamela Bucklew moved to approve the timeline and second by councilwoman Mary Albaugh, the motion passed. Council members C.J. Rylands and Robbie Skinner were absent.