Keokuk, IA – Keokuk's Public Works Director is stepping down after more than 3 decades with the city.
Bill Richards told the City Council and Mayor Dave Gudgel in a brief letter dated June 14 that he is retiring effective June 30.
Richards worked for the city of Keokuk for more than 36 years.
He says he has had a nice run with the city and he feels he has accomplished many good things for Keokuk.
Gudgel says Richards will be sorely missed, adding that it will be tough to replace the knowledge that Richards brought to the job.
By retiring before July 1, Richards qualifies for an incentive that allows him to receive free health insurance, through the city, until he is medicare-eligible.
Richards will remain on the city's payroll until June 30, but he has already cleaned out his office at City Hall.
Gudgel says the department heads that previously reported to Richards will now report to him.
Richards says he will be available for any questions from city leaders until his replacement is found.
That replacement could come in the form of a city administrator.
The finance committee has discussed the idea of shifting duties of the Mayor, the City Clerk, and the Public Works Director to a city administrator.
That means the salaries for the three posts could be reduced.
The city council is expected to accept Richards' retirement and discuss the future of the post of public works director at Thursday night's meeting.
Additional Information
* Richards says he will announce his plans for the future in a couple of weeks.
* He says he will remain active in Keokuk.