St. Joseph City Commissioners have honored City Manager John Hodgson as he prepares to retire.
Monday night’s regular commission meeting was the last with Hodgson as manager, and Mayor Brook Thomas read an honorary resolution saluting Hodgson for his 30 years of service to the community.
Hodgson started as a summer employee in 1985, working all kinds of jobs before becoming assistant city manager, and then city manager in 2015. Thomas was joined by former Mayor Laura Goos, who said she learned a lot from Hodgson when she first came on as a city commissioner.
“More than just a memory, he has the heart, the soul of the city all captured, and he then can tell you a story about the why behind things,” Goos said. “And it really makes things so relevant when you’re learning.”
Commissioners Monday officially named Hodgson as the city historian due to his extensive knowledge of the community. Mayor Thomas told us Hodgson has been a major asset to the city.
“He’s been a wonderful leader, a wonderful mentor,” Thomas said. “I’ve learned so much from him. I’ve appreciated all my time here of the past three years. I wouldn’t be the mayor I am today without him.”
Former Mayor Mike Garey thanked Hodgson for the culture he brought to city hall and for all of his work on behalf of the city in countless roles. Public Safety Director Steve Neubecker described Hodgson as a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration.
Commissioners then presented Hodgson with the familiar honorary street sign they’ve been known to give out to those who have benefitted the community, declaring “Hodgson Avenue.”
Hodgson said simply, “Thank you for everything.”
