Al Hudzik announced Monday he is retiring as Columbia city administrator, a position he has held for five years.

Hudzik, 62, was appointed interim city administrator in December 2008, but wasn’t given the official title until the following year as there was debate among aldermen as to whether or not the position was needed at that time.

 “When I initially approached the mayor to consider appointing me as city administrator, it was out of a sense of civic duty to serve the city that I’ve called ‘home’ for over 20 years,” Hudzik wrote in his letter of resignation. “Now, I feel a calling to spend more time with my wife and children, which will be difficult to do as long as I continue to serve in (this) position.”

The city administrator is appointed by the mayor with the consent of the city council and is responsible for managing the

day-to-day operations of the city. This includes enforcement of all city ordinances and contracts and overseeing the city’s annual budget.

“I really enjoy working here,” Hudzik told the Republic-Times by phone on Tuesday. “It’s really just a matter of priorities for me at this time.”

Hudzik, who previously served as comptroller for the city of Madison from 1973 to 1982 before working 25 years in banking, said he plans to continue serving the city until a new city administrator is appointed.

“During a time we needed it most, Al Hudzik was a godsend,” Columbia Mayor Kevin Hutchinson said. “His municipal and financial background worked perfectly to help Columbia through some challenging times.”

Hutchinson said the city council will meet next week to outline a job search and interview process for finding Hudzik’s replacement.

The news comes as another City Hall employee, administrative assistant and events coordinator Jackie Hausmann, announced her plans to resign as a full-time employee effective mid-June. Her reason is also to spend more time with family.

Hausmann, who has worked at City Hall since 2005, said she has expressed interest in staying on part-time, but that is something the city still needs to decide.

“It’s been a great job,” Hausmann said.

Community Preservation Plan

The city is hoping residents will view its new Community Preservation Plan and offer input. It is an effort to bring Columbia’s past and present together.

Citizens are urged to read the plan online at www.columbiaillinois.com and offer comments concerning the document and its contents.

Comments can be emailed to pellis@columbiaillinois.com or by mail at Columbia City Hall, 208 S. Rapp Ave., Columbia, IL 62236.

A public hearing on the plan will take place at 6:45 p.m. on June 2, at City Hall.

Read more about this plan in next week’s print edition.