In about two months, Argyle is going to need a new town manager.
Lyle Dresher turned in his 60-day written notice of retirement earlier this month. While the council approved the resignation, some members are split on the impact of his departure.
"It's a devastating blow for the town. I don't think we'll ever find as quality a replacement as we have in Lyle. With [his] skills and knowledge, we were lucky to get him, and I don't think we can attract someone like that now," Place 4 council member Bonny Haynes said. "I can always hope differently."
Dresher could not be reached for comment.
In his resignation letter, he wrote that he was proud to have been a part of town planning efforts during his nearly five years of service. Dresher also noted the development of the core values of leadership that will help guide Argyle's future by doing what's best for the interest and welfare of residents.
Dresher also stated in the letter that it was time for him to pursue other endeavors and opportunities, and offered to help with the search and transition to a new town manager.
Haynes said she would like to come up with a detailed plan for the search soon.
"It will be on our next agenda to quickly hire an interim city manager," she said. "There are agencies that provide that service. And then we need to figure out who we're going to hire to help us find a quality candidate."
Haynes said she has a few companies in mind that she'd like to hire.
Place 3 council member Dona Schroetke downplayed Dresher's resignation.
"It's not going to have any sort of negative effect on the town," she said. "Things are pretty quiet right now. It's sort of a good time if you're going to make a change.
"We'll miss Lyle. We appreciate everything he's done for the town. We found him, and I am sure we'll find someone as equally qualified to assume his position."
Mayor Matt Smith has been at odds with Dresher over the role of town manager.
During a November council meeting, Smith tried to garner support for consolidating the jobs of town manager and town secretary.
The mayor was absent from the meeting this week when the council accepted Dresher's resignation.
Smith could not be reached for comment this week, but issued a prepared statement on the retirement: "On behalf of the Town of Argyle, I would like to wish Mr. Dresher well in his future endeavors."
BJ LEWIS can be reached at 940-566-6875. His e-mail address is blewis@dentonrc.com.
