SIDNEY — Sidney City Council members adopted a resolution Monday, Oct. 29, to officially express appreciation for the service of City Manager Mark Cundiff.
On Friday, Nov. 5, Cundiff officially retires, concluding a 35-year public service career. He is the Sidney’s 13th and longest serving city manager.
The city of Sidney press release said the resolution cited Cundiff’s budget consciousness, dedicated work performance, ability to multi-task, oversight of staff, and the promotion of achievement for those around him as things that have helped to strengthened the city of Sidney’s organization.
The resolution also sites Cundiff’s critical role in achieving and maintaining the city of Sidney’s robust fiscal health.
Cundiff has “annually delivered balanced budgets while increasing reserves and achieving a AA+ credit rating and presenting budgets to council in concise, simple, and focused language with minimal impacts to employees and maintaining critical public services during periods of worldwide pandemic and economic turbulence,” the resolution states.
The resolution also cites several major capital projects.
“Through his career Mark S. Cundiff has led the city of Sidney through the construction of numerous capital projects that have brought great benefit to the community including the $3M extension of the main runway at Sidney Municipal Airport, the $27M development of the well field including the construction of the water transmission line from the well field to the water treatment plant, the $21M renovation and expansion of the wastewater treatment plant, continued development of the Canal Feeder Trail, and the passage of the street levies providing $14M in additional tax dollars to maintain city streets and bridges,” the resolution reads.
The resolution also pays tribute to Cundiff’s work in strengthening relationships with other governmental entities, businesses and industry.
“Under the leadership of Mark S. Cundiff, the city of Sidney has worked to leverage existing relationships and encourage new ones, enhancing the city’s ability to attract and retain local business and industry, encourage the revitalization of the downtown, and begin the transition of the downtown into the vibrant heart of the community,” it states.
There are still three members of council who were in office when Cundiff was offered the city manager’s position. They include Fourth Ward Council member Steve Wagner, Vice Mayor Mardie Milligan and Mayor Mike Barhorst. Each offered remarks concerning Cundiff’s retirement.
“Mark was the best fit for Sidney at the time he was selected,” Wagner said in the press release. “I have never looked back on that decision. It has been a pleasure to work with Mark on Council’s goals. Working together, we’ve furthered Sidney’s growth. I hope community members will join in thanking him for the years he has dedicated to the city of Sidney.”
“Mark’s leadership during challenging economic times was particularly exemplary,” Milligan said in the release. “His longevity as city manager spoke to his commitment to the City. Included among his many accomplishments was his involvement in the establishment of an underground water source that will serve community well into the future.”
“Mark worked hard to build and sustain relationships,” Mayor Mike Barhorst said in the release. “I have no idea how many meetings he attended each month, but certainly the relationship between the county and the city, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Sidney-Shelby Economic Partnership were far stronger under his leadership than has been the case at other times in the city’s history.”
“I know that I speak for all of council when I say that we wish him well in retirement,” Barhorst concluded.
City Council is hosting a retirement reception for Cundiff at The Oaks Club Saturday afternoon, Nov. 6 from 4 until 6 p.m.
