'I hate it, because he was just the best person for this:' Pooler city manager to leave

Destini Ambus, Savannah Morning News
·2 min read

Pooler City Manager Robert Byrd has decided to leave his position after 21 years of service.

He tendered a separation agreement during Pooler City Council's executive session Monday night. The end of his term as city manager takes effect Dec. 31. A phone call Monday evening to Bryd's office was not immediately returned.

"I hate it, because he was just the best person for this," said Pooler Mayor Rebecca Benton. "And he's a civil engineer and you need an engineer to figure out these developers who try to pull the wool over your head, and Robbie could always."

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Benton said they currently have a recommendation for an interim city manager, but a more permanent replacement is something Mayor-Elect Karen Williams and the new council will need to grapple with as they also prepare for the influx of people and money the Hyundai plant in Bryan County will bring.

"Robert Byrd has served the city extremely well for just a little over two decades, and it's going to be a challenge to replace him," said Councilmember Aaron Higgins. "I certainly wished to have continued to work with him, but he's made the decision he's made and I wish him well in all of his future endeavors."

There's no legal obligation to find a replacement in a certain number of days, Higgins said, adding that he anticipates taking as much time as necessary to find the right person.

"Pooler has a lot changing," Higgins said. "We need someone really able to handle that."

The City of Pooler utilizes a council-manager form of government, according to its website. The city manager is appointed by council and works with them on policy creation and manages staff during implementation.

This is a developing story.

Destini Ambus is the general assignment reporter for Chatham County municipalities for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach her at dambus@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Pooler city manager to leave position after 21 years of service