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Stanley Town Manager Heath Jenkins to retire Dec. 31 after 40 years; council names chambers in his honor
Summary
Town Manager Heath Jenkins reflected on a 40-year career at the Nov. 3 council meeting, outlining accomplishments including securing over $14 million in ARPA funds and major infrastructure projects; the council voted unanimously to name the council chambers the 'Heath R. Jenkins Council Chambers' effective upon his Dec. 31 retirement.
Town Manager Heath Jenkins told the Stanley Town Council on Nov. 3 that he will retire effective Dec. 31 after 40 years of public service.
Jenkins spoke at the meeting’s recognition segment and thanked councilmembers, staff and citizens while listing projects completed during his tenure: purchase of advanced metering infrastructure paid through labor savings; a drop-counter app for water-bill tracking; downtown improvements including a new gazebo and landscaping; securing over $14 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds; purchase of a fire truck costing more than $600,000; two major water and sewer projects each totaling about $5 million; and upgrades to Harper Park. He also noted security upgrades at town facilities including controlled-access doors and camera systems.
Jenkins said leadership sometimes requires unpopular choices and expressed gratitude for the support he received. He also referenced the need to find a successor who knows and cares about the community and expressed confidence in Deputy Town Manager Steven Denton’s qualifications.
Mayor Cathy Kirkland proposed naming the council chambers the “Heath R. Jenkins Council Chambers” as a lasting tribute effective upon Jenkins’ retirement. Council Member Marsha Miskelly moved to approve the naming and Council Member Drew Stewart seconded; the council approved the motion unanimously (5-0).
The recognition and chamber-naming follow the council’s formal acknowledgments at the start of the meeting and will take effect when Jenkins leaves the town manager position on Dec. 31.
