Bradenton City Administrator Carl Callahan announces retirement after nearly 30 years
After nearly 30 years with the city of Bradenton, City Administrator Carl Callahan plans to retire next June.
Callahan, who was first hired as a city auditor in 1992, made his announcement during Wednesday morning’s Bradenton City Council meeting. He said he timed his retirement so that he can help with the transition after an expect massive shakeup at City Hall in November.
“It’s not a decision I’ve taken lightly,” Callahan told the council. “I think it’s important with all the transition we have going on, with this election time, with the referendum, with a lot of things, it’s probably a good time for fresh blood to come in.”
Mayor Wayne Poston has already announced that he is no longer running for re-election, and the City Council will also seat two new council members after the Nov. 3 elections.
Reached for comment Wednesday afternoon, Poston spoke highly of Callahan, who has done “brilliant work” for the city in several different roles.
“He was mostly the accounting guru and the watchdog on money. He understood more on that than the elected officials. He’s done a great job,” said Poston. “To replace Carl, it’ll take three people.”
While Callahan, 64, says he will dedicate his remaining time to improving the city, he urged the council to consider all the possibilities when it comes to his retirement. His announcement could mean that the council reconsiders its style of government, opting for a system that doesn’t include a city administrator at all.
“It’s a good transition time for if you don’t want an administrator, to sit there and say that’s not the avenue you want to go, either,” Callahan suggested.
In the current system, the city administrator is tasked with running the city’s business and day-to-day operations. The position also oversees Bradenton’s planning, public works, fire and city clerk & treasury departments.
After working as city auditor, Callahan became the city clerk & treasurer for more than 20 years before he was named the city administrator in 2015. In 2017, he also became the economic development director for Bradenton’s Community Redevelopment Agency.
This story was originally published September 9, 2020 at 12:01 PM.
