RINCON — City Manager John Klimm tendered his resignation to the Rincon City Council on Monday night.

There wasn’t a hint of bitterness is his resignation letter. It was all sweet.

“Over the past four years, I have had the incredible honor to serve you and the residents of this community as your city manager. I truly believe that it is the best job that I ever had…” Klimm said.

Klimm, hired in July 18, 2018, went on to express admiration and appreciation for many people, including Mayor Ken Lee and current and former members of the council.

“I truly believe that Rincon has been so well served by all of our elected officials, past and present, including experienced veterans like Levi Scott, Reese Browher, Ann Daniel, Paul Wendelken and Freddy Long — all incredible public servants,” Klimm said, “and now we have a council as good as ever with a fresh set of eyes and a new commitment to move Rincon forward — Michelle Taylor, Patrick Kirkland, Ben Blackwell and Damon Rahn. This city is in good hands with these folks. 

“They’ll get the job done.”

Klimm, getting emotional at times, also lauded the city’s management team, including Tim Bowles (Public Works), Chief Lou Reed (fire department), Chief Jonathan Murrell (police department), Mike Osborne (recreation), Tommy Kee (wastewater treatment) and Paul Goth (Lost Plantation Golf Course), and all city employees. He heaped special praise on City Clerk Dulcia King and City Attorney Raymond Dickey.

The resignation letter included mentions of several people and organizations in the private sector, including Effingham County Chamber of Commerce CEO Andy Cripps, the Rotary Club of Effingham County, Effingham Heroes and Effingham Herald general manager Kim Dennis.

In closing, Klimm mentioned the highlights of his tenure.

He said, “Thanks to you, Mr. Mayor and the council, over the past four years, we have stabilized and improved our city’s finances, hired capable staff, implemented a road and TSPLOST program, implemented an employee compensation plan, implemented growth management measures, conducted an employee survey, been awarded a $7 million grant to expand our wastewater treatment plant and completed a community comprehensive plan to name but a few of our successes. And we did it always while living within our means.”

Every member of the council reciprocated Klimm’s expression of appreciation. 

“Times doesn’t permit us to say all the things we need to say about John Klimm,” Lee said. “I would just say that, regardless of what elected officials have sat at this podium, I can’t think of anybody who has had a greater impact on this city that John Klimm has for four years.”

Klimm said he and his wife Delores plan to move to north Georgia “in an area of that state that we have truly come to love.”