By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
LITTLE VALLEY — Jack Searles is only the second county administrator for Cattaraugus County. He is retiring at the end of this month.
Searles received a standing ovation Wednesday as he attended his last meeting as county administrator in the James J. Snyder Legislative Chambers at the County Center.
On Monday, June 30, Kelly Reed, who serves as Searles’ deputy administrator, will take over as county administrator, having been unanimously appointed by county lawmakers two weeks ago.
County Legislature Chairman Andrew Burr thanked Searles for his “many years of dedicated, professional, high-quality service to Cattaraugus County residents and taxpayers.
Burr said Searles had never presented a budged that wasn’t on time or that didn’t meet the state’s 2% tax cap enacted in 2012.
Also, Burr pointed out that the county’s full value tax rate had declined 29% since Searles became county administrator in 2003 after the death of his predecessor, Donald E. Furman, the first county administrator. Searles also oversaw the doubling of the county’s capital road and bridge program to over $20 a year, Burr said.
“You’ve done a legendary, fantastic job over your 46 years, and we greatly appreciate all you’ve done,” Burr said to a round of applause for Searles.
His 46 years made him the county’s longest-serving employee. Burr cited some of Searles’ responses to issues like the Gowanda flood, county Bicentennial, COVID-19, construction of the Great Lakes Cheese plant in Franklinville and frequent state mandates as examples of his leadership.
Burr later presented Searles with a framed photograph of President Theodore Roosevelt, one of Searles’ historical heroes.
County Legislator Donald Benson, R-Allegany, said when he was first took office, he was advised that “Everything goes through Jack” and “Go ask Jack.”
Legislator Richard Helmich, R-Delevan, thanked Searles, saying, “You allowed me, in your own way, to learn the process” of getting things done in the county.
“You have been the captain of the ship on top of being an anchor,” Kelly Andreano, R-Olean. “You have guided the ship through storms and Covid and I hope you saw some sunny days in your time at the county.”
Vice Chairman Michael Brisky, R-Franklinville, said, “I thank you personally for your wisdom and your patience with folks that might have way too much energy on their hands.”
Searles thanked legislators, saying, “Without operating as a team, and I mean that, including all the department heads and all the staff in the county, it would not have happened.”
The County is like a family, Searles said. “I see that continuing with the team we have coming on board in my position. We have great things ahead of us. You always have challenges, but you also have to take and enjoy those wonderful opportunities that come and shine some light. Thank you so much for the opportunity that has been afforded me to work here in this wonderful place.”
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