City manager Josh Kay tendered his resignation at Monday’s city council meeting.
“It’s really bittersweet,” he said after the meeting. “I was really torn. Washington is a great community…but it is an offer unfortunately, that I couldn’t refuse.”
The offer came from Santee Cooper, South Carolina’s state-owned electric and water utility. He and his wife, Lauren, are South Carolina natives and the move will bring them closer to family.
Kay asked the city to allow him to stay through May so that he could help with the budget and with finding his replacement. He said he would be looking for someone who is “first and foremost, a great communicator, someone who can communicate with the council and our community at large.”
Kay said his greatest accomplishment in the two years he has been Washington’s city manager was the trust he built with the council and city staff.
Councilman Richard Brooks said he often went to Kay to explain agenda items to him. He described Kay as a great negotiator.
“He seems to have a knack for not getting upset and turning things around,” he said.
During the meeting, Councilman Ed Moultrie called Kay his “brother from another mother.” The rest of the council gave their official goodbyes before the meeting ended.
Councilman Doug Mercer said he had seen a lot of city managers come and go, but Josh Kay elevated the position.
“I’m reluctant to see him go,” he said.
Councilman Bobby Roberson also commended Kay’s job performance. He said he hoped Kay would have a lot of success in South Carolina.
Mayor Archie Jennings praised Kay’s work. He thanked him for offering to see the city through the next round of budget planning.
“We’ve really come to appreciate you and your skill set,” Jennings said.
Councilman William Pitt said it was a pleasure to work with someone of Kay’s stature.
“Through Josh’s hard work, he’s made me understand what the city of Washington is all about,” he said.