Lana Hancock announced Monday that she has resigned as the town manager of Dolores effective Dec. 31.
She plans to continue serving as the town clerk and treasurer.
“I never intended to be the manager permanently. I stepped in to help the town,” she said.
When former Town Manager Ryan Mahoney left in 2013, the town board advertised and interviewed for a town manager, but did not get a candidate they liked.
Hancock agreed to serve as interim manager, then was hired as manager in 2015 in addition to her duties as clerk and treasurer.
The town plans to advertise for an interim manager to begin in February and search for a permanent one to be in place by August 2018.
“It is with great regret that we accept your resignation,” said Mayor Santiago Lopez.
Hancock said as town manager she focused on maintaining critical infrastructure and services for residents and increased the town’s cash reserves.
As manager she oversaw upgrades to the water and wastewater systems for town. She also persuaded the board to implement new parking rules to accommodate plowing, and successfully got passed a requirement that all trash cans in town be bear-proof.
“They are not the most glamorous projects, but without a solid core, a town cannot exist,” she said.
Hancock credited her staff for their hard work and the board for their support.
“Out staff is stellar and know how to do their jobs. I appreciate the trust the board had in me and the opportunity to serve as manager,” she said.
Going forward, she said the new manager will be faced with rising operating and maintenance costs and a limited budget.
Decisions lie ahead on how to “keep the level of services we have now. Raising the sales tax and mill levy will need to be considered,” she said.
The interim manager position would be for three to six months. Qualifications include a minimum of three years’ experience as a municipal manager and a bachelor’s degree in practical and applicable field. Interested applicants should contact Lana Hancock at lana@townofdolores.com. Proposals will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26. Accepting the interim position does not preclude the interim manager from applying for and accepting the manager position.
jmimiaga@the-journal.com