SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of South Hutchinson announced that City Administrator Joseph Turner is resigning his position effective July 15, 2023.
During his tenure, Turner modernized the City’s budgeting processes and brought financial stability to the organization. South Hutchinson’s general fund and reserve balances are at all-time highs and current projections show outstanding debt obligations entering FY 2024 to be at decade plus lows.
Under Turner’s leadership, South Hutchinson’s bond rating was upgraded by Moody’s Investor Service twice over an 11-month span and equals its best rating in its history. Turner oversaw changes in the public works department and overall operational efficiency while reducing staffing. Turner also collaborated with Reno County Public Works Director Don Brittain to save South Hutchinson taxpayers more than $300,000 on the Scott Blvd. bridge replacement.
“Joe is one of the most creative and innovative city administrators in the business,” said Mayor Brian Garretson in a release. “The build out of the Ideatek fiber network is due solely to his efforts and that will pay dividends for decades to come.”
Ideatek is reportedly on pace to build out the entire citywide network by the end of 2023 and many residents have already become subscribers.
“I have had the good fortune of working with a fantastic set of councilmembers who were willing to explore unique solutions and innovative approaches,” stated City Administrator Joseph Turner. “Our success has truly been a team effort and the residents will enjoy the fruits of our teamwork.”
South Hutchinson had been without a city administrator for approximately three years until Turner began his tenure on June 6, 2021.
According to Turner's resignation letter, his last day in the office is slated to be Friday, June 16th, then he will use his accrued vacation time.
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