Oak Ridge Cemetery Director Greg Talley to Retire Sept. 12

Greg Talley, the director of Oak Ridge Cemetery, told the Springfield City Council on Sept. 2 that he will retire from the position effective Friday, Sept. 12. "I plan on retiring from this position effective Friday, September 12," Talley said during a brief remarks period. He thanked the council and Mayor Buscher for appointing him and said he has "truly loved every minute of it."

Talley said he has met with a candidate currently described as "the gentleman who is on First Street" and that he expects the individual is "a very qualified individual" who will continue operating the city cemeteries. He also praised cemetery office staff and the grounds crew for maintaining the cemetery "in pristine condition."

Mayor Buscher told Talley the council had enjoyed having him and said Talley would spend a few days with the incoming director to pass along duties. There was no motion or formal action tied to Talley’s announcement at the council meeting; the remarks were presented as an informational announcement and not a council appointment or vote.

What happens next: the council’s agenda packet listed an ordinance on first reading to appoint a new Oak Ridge Cemetery director to be discussed at the Committee of the Whole meeting next week; Talley’s remarks were offered as context for that forthcoming discussion. The council did not take immediate action at the Sept. 2 meeting to fill the post.