BANGOR, Maine — One of City Hall’s longest serving employees is retiring after more than 27 years on the job, City Manager Cathy Conlow announced in a Tuesday news release.
Assistant City Manager Robert Farrar, who also serves as the city’s human resources director, will retire in September.
“My time in Bangor has been both challenging and rewarding, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with two outstanding city managers,” Farrar said in a written statement Tuesday. “I am proud of the management team and the workforce I have helped to hire, guide and worked with in my various capacities with the city. Our employees form the backbone of city government, and have earned and continue to deserve respect and appreciation.”
Farrar came to Bangor in 1989 to serve as director of administration. Before that, he served as Topsham’s town administrator and assistant to the Brunswick town manager for eight years.
During his 27 years, Farrar has played a hand in almost every aspect of city government. He’s served as chief labor negotiator, finance director, treasurer and interim city manager, filling administrative vacancies as needed.
“He has been involved in virtually every aspect of the city’s operations, and his knowledge and experience will be difficult to replace,” Conlow said.
Conlow said she planned to line up a new assistant manager before Farrar’s departure.
“I’m planning on a smooth transition process and providing an opportunity for Bob to share his knowledge of city operations with his successor,” Conlow said. “Bob has been a trusted adviser and dedicated municipal servant for his entire career in Bangor.”
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