Heavener City Manager resigns

Heavener City Manager resigns

After some seven years, Heavener City Manager Cody Smith has turned in his resignation and is ready to try something else.

Smith stepped into a position that had frequent turnover before he was hired and helped the City through the Veolio mess, water problems and frequent turmoil. During his time, Heavener switched over to the Poteau Valley Improvement Authority to provide Heavener water and the new splash pad on the south end of town opened.

He does not have any idea as to what is coming next.

“Right now, I don’t have anything to go to,” he said. “There’s no hard feelings and I am not being forced out. It’s just a decision myself and my family made.”

While Smith said there were negatives about dealing with the public in this position, he also said not everything was a negative.

“There’s lots of positives, too,” he said. “The negativity just comes with the job.”

Smith is not sure what the future holds.

“I’m not sure what I am going to do,” he said. “I’m just stepping out in faith. I don’t have anything lined up, I’m just going to see what’s out there.”

Smith said his time as city manager was beneficial.

“I have enjoyed my time here and I’ve and learned a lot,” Smith said. “There are a lot of good city employees here. I’m leaving this in good hands and it will be up to the council to find a new, dynamic leader who can carry on.”

Smith’s last day on the job is Thursday. He notified the city workers last week of his planned resignation and turned in his resignation to the council later in the week.

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