HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The city manager of Hutchinson, John Deardoff, has announced his desire to retire in the spring of 2020.

He says in a letter to the Hutchinson City Council that it will depend on the search timeline for his replacement.

At the time of his retirement, Deardoff says he’ll have 40 years of service in city management, including 20 years with the city of Hutchinson. That includes 5 years as the assistant city manager from 1989 to 1994. He became the city manager in 2005.

“There comes a time to pass the torch and I feel the time is now for me,” Deardoff said. “I can honestly say I have been blessed to have worked in government for 40 years.”

He says he’ll look back with pride at his time in Sterling, Dodge City and Hutchinson.

He believes the city is in good shape with some talented leadership present in the department head level and the 400 employees working every day for this community.

Deardoff says he will leave the job with some sadness and excitement as he moves into the next phase of his life.