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A few showers during the morning with numerous thunderstorms developing in the afternoon. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 77F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..
Tonight
Thunderstorms in the evening, then variable clouds overnight with still a chance of showers. Low 58F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Hardin Watkins says he is looking forward to spending more time with his family and will explore other opportunities that will allow him to continue serving communities.
Hardin Watkins, Burlington's city manager, is set to retire next month after six years on the job, according to an announcement during a recent city council meeting.
Watkins started as city manager in January 2016 and has been instrumental in creating the Community Police Advisory Team, launching Link Transit and starting an Economic Development Department among others, noted a news release.
Hardin Watkins says he is looking forward to spending more time with his family and will explore other opportunities that will allow him to continue serving communities.
Times-News
City of Burlington
“My experience in Burlington has been wonderful. I’m grateful for the opportunity and appreciate the trust and confidence that the City’s elected officials placed in me as the leader of the city’s staff team," Watkins said. "It has been a rewarding and exciting time to be a part of the wonderful things happening in the Burlington community. As you know, the future for this community is extremely bright."
Watkins is credited for helping to improve efficiency and effectiveness in many areas of the city including employee wellness, community engagement, and strategic planning.
“The City Council is very respectful and appreciative of Hardin’s service to Burlington and our community. We wish him the best and look forward to supporting him in his future endeavors,” said Burlington Mayor James Butler. “We also know that Hardin’s focus will now be on the transition plan and we are going to work with him to make sure it is smooth and efficient for all involved."
Watkins has spent 32 years in local government and 23 years as a city manager in various municipalities. Before coming to Burlington, he served as the town manager of Garner and the city manager of Suwanee, Georgia. Before that, he was an assistant to the city manager in Decatur, Georgia.
Watkins says he is looking forward to spending more time with his family and will explore other opportunities that will allow him to continue serving communities.
The Burlington City Council will be charged with hiring a new city manager. Watkins has agreed to stay through March to assist with the transition.
