Grant County Manager Jon Saari resigns

April 29--SILVER CITY -- Grant County Manager Jon Saari announced his resignation at Thursday's commissioner meeting.

"I wish him the best," Commissioner Gabriel Ramos

Saari, 46, said he plans to open his own State Farm agency in Silver City starting Jan. 1. Saari said he was looking to spend more time with his family and less time traveling for work. He begins training for the insurance office May 12.

"This'll be the first time I've ever worked for myself," Saari said.

Saari has worked as Grant County manager since November 2005. Before that, he was director of materials and resource management at WNMU. Saari met his wife in Silver City and they have two children, a 12-year-old and a 16-year-old.

Saari said he had been considering the move for some time.

"I just didn't think it would come this quick," Saari said.

Silver City Mayor Mike Morones also expressed well wishes.

"I hope he furthers himself in business," Morones said.

What will happen to Saari's position is unclear at this point. The Grant County commissioners meet today in closed session to discuss personnel matters. It is possible they will appoint an interim manager until they can go through a hiring process, Saari said.

Saari said he has learned a lot from his eight and a half years as a public servant and he expects to take what he has learned into his new job.

"My take-away is that I've had to work with so many different groups," Saari said. "We haven't always agreed, but they have always been professional, and I gained their trust. That and treat everybody with respect and never lie. It'll come back to you if you do."

Saari said what he will miss most is the staff in Grant County administration.

"We've got a great group of people," Saari said. "It's like a family. That was the biggest con for leaving."

Ramos said the county would miss Saari more than most people realize.

"One thing we're going to miss is his specialty with finance," Ramos said. "He's really good with the books."

Susan Dunlap can be reached at 575-538-5893, ext. 5803.

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