McCoy announces his retirement as City Administrator

LAUREL – After nearly 40 years as an employee of the city of Laurel, Mark McCoy has announced plans to retire on Feb. 29.

McCoy, the City Administrator here since August 2012, said he hopes retirement means he is able to spend more time with family and pursuing his favorite hobby — golfing.

Former Mayor Mark Patefield said he always felt like the city was in good hands with McCoy around.

“While working with Mark, I was always impressed by the depth of responsibility he felt for making sure the city ran smoothly and was on solid financial footing for the future,” Patefield said. “His knowledge and commitment were a benefit to all of us, and he will be missed.”

Laurel Police Chief Ron Lundahl said he also ejoyed working with McCoy, adding that they, “worked well together.”

McCoy began his duties with the city on April 15, 1984, when he was hired by Ole Mallatt as a general maintenance employee. McCoy said Mallatt and former Laurel City Administrator Harley Reinoehl were great mentors to him as he progressed through the ranks.

Working for the city has required Mc-Coy to take on several challenging tasks over the years.

His greatest accomplishment, McCoy said, is when he’s worked to help get the electricity back on in Laurel after a power outage and then is able to watch as the lights come back on, knowing the town is once again with power.

He has enjoyed many other aspects of his position, as well, including helping at the swimming pool.

During McCoy’s tenure, the city was able to replace several streets, back when there was a larger city crew. He also played a big part in the utility installation at the Norris Property.

McCoy said he has “enjoyed working with many employees through the years, none better than the present ones.”

McCoy is humble about his accomplishments, saying he is “just a hard working, dedicated employee that cares about the City of Laurel a lot,” adding that he is “proud to have passed that hard work ethic onto my children.”