Says he had been weighing his retirement for months, wanted to see budget pass

By Greg Ellison

(April 21, 2022) Berlin Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood announced his retirement on Monday with a departure slated for tomorrow.

Fleetwood, who was originally hired as human resources director in 2010 moved into his current role in August 2019.

Speaking on Tuesday, Fleetwood said he began weighing a move about six months back.

“I’ve been toying with the idea of retiring,” he said. “I’ve been in this role three years this summer.”

Fleetwood’s contact had run through next summer.

“I met with the mayor [Zack Tyndall] last night and shared my intent to retire,” he said. “He choose the last day of work to be this coming Friday.”

Fleetwood said he was not being fired or forced out of his role.

“I made a request to retire and I am retiring,” he said.

Following his disclosure to Tyndall on Monday night, the Berlin Town Council held an executive session related to the pending departure on Tuesday evening.

Speaking on Wednesday, Tyndall had no comment on the matter.

“I do not comment on personnel matters,” he said.

Fleetwood, 65, said after discussing the matter with his wife the couple agreed the time was right to step down.

Fleetwood said despite the apparent suddenness, the departure was amicable, with the town compensating him through June.

“I’m not going to say it was a bone of contention because we agreed to it,” he said.

Councilmember Troy Purnell was less than enthused to learn of Fleetwood’s decision.

“I hope he sticks around until July 1, but he probably doesn’t want to,” he said.

Purnell said Fleetwood’s presence would be sorely missed.

“This is extremely unfortunate for Berlin,” he said. “Jeff is a major asset.”

As for what he will do next, Fleetwood, who acknowledged possessing hyper energy, has yet to decide what direction to pursue but is contemplating at least part-time work.