“It has been a privilege to serve the citizens of Springfield and to work with such fine employees at the city,” Bodenmiller said in a statement. “I’ve always loved this city and community, and it’s been a pleasure to live and raise my family here.”
Bodenmiller took over the city in 2008, a difficult time for Springfield during the recession.
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“I’ve been pleased at the progress we’ve made in the past 10 years, especially in light of the tough economy,” Bodenmiller said. “Helping turn things in a positive direction for our community and stabilizing the city’s finances were important goals for me.”
Springfield Mayor Warren Copeland said the city should be thankful for Bodenmiller’s hard work and he will be sad to see him go.
“From my point of view, he had a magnificent way of working with people - his staff and the people in the community,” Copeland said.
Since 2008, there has been more than $400 million in downtown investment — much of it can be directly contributed to Bodenmiller’s work. Copeland also praised him for his work getting information out to the public to pass a city income tax levy last year.
“I thought he moved us ahead in a variety of ways,” Copeland said. “I deeply respect him and what he has done for the of city Springfield.”
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Springfield city government has seen a number of leadership changes over the last year. At the beginning of 2018, the city got a new police chief and a new fire chief.
Bodenmiller joined the City of Springfield as personnel analyst in February 1987, according to a press release announcing his retirement. He began working as the assistant city manager in 2000 and then was appointed city manager in 2009, the release says.
At 10 years, Bodenmiller is the second longest-serving city manager in Springfield’s history. Former City Manager Matt Kridler served for 20 years, the release says.
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Bodenmiller and his wife, Jo Ann, plan to live in the city after he retires.
“This city is moving in the right direction and we want to continue to be part of the momentum,” he said.
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