Richmond County Manager Jim Haynes will retire effective July 31, after he prepares his last budget for the county.

He has 30 years of government service behind him at age 58 and will take time to be with his family.

“I have certainly enjoyed my tenure as county manager and hope that history will see this period as the beginning of many good things for the citizens of the county,” Haynes said.

He has served Richmond County for the past 12 years.

His announcement was emotional for himself as well as the members of the board who hired him.

Most of the county staff was surprised at the announcement.

The board voted to name Rick Sago, former director of county development, to become deputy manager as the budget is prepared and to maintain continuity as Haynes prepares to leave.

“I can truthfully say that I have done my best to follow the policies both formal and implied that the board of commissioners has established,” he said. “And I feel that together we have laid the groundwork for the economic growth which is sure to come.”

When he became manager, the county was near financial collapse.

He said that now “we are prepared to move continually forward.”

He said the board had allowed him to hire good employees and to make business decisions. “For these reasons, I think he county will grow and flourish.”

He said if Richmond County citizens would look at the neighboring counties and compare successes or failure, they will find the county pulling ahead.

“As time progresses and we continue to grow, we can eventually compare ourselves with anyone, anywhere,” Haynes said.

While he said the details of what a team of county employees and the board accomplished in the past 12 years may be lost to history, “I hope that someone sometime will say that there was as good basis here to begin the process of structured growth.”

He said he thought the infrastructure is in place or planned, the policies and procedures are adopted, the personnel in place, “And I hope the citizens are ready to support the accomplishments of the board of commissioners and the next administration.”

He finished by saying with some emotion, “I have done the best I can. It is time for someone else to carry us ahead.”

Commissioner Thad Ussery said he regretted Haynes’ resignation but understood the pressure he has lived under the past 12 years. He gave him credit for bringing the county to its present financial stability.

“It was fate that you came here and a blessing to this county,” he said. “We appreciate all you have done.”

He said 30 years as a manager put a lot of miles on Haynes who “did all he said he would do” in an uphill battle.

Commissioner Jimmy Maske was on the board also when Haynes was hired, and had to take a moment to contain his emotions.

He also commended Haynes for hiring a team that improved the condition and reputation of the county. “You brought us up from a position of struggling to where we are today.

Commission Chairman Kenneth Robinette said Haynes was the best manager the county ever had.

“Thank you for the job you’ve done. I’m happy for you to be with your family.”

Haynes and his wife will remain in Richmond County where he said he would rest awhile and perhaps travel.

Because of the work Haynes has done, Robinette said the county will continue on.

“We have accomplished a lot of milestones for a community of our size,” Robinette said.

Commissioner Pam Dillman said Haynes was a good leader.

Commissioner John Garner assured county employees that the commissioners would be there for them and could continue to depend on leadership to meet the needs of the people of Richmond County.