Farmersville is looking for a new city manager.
John Jansons, who has been with the city for two years, has given his notice. Jansons is moving on to another city.
It could take up to six months to replace him – an interim city manager will be named, soon.
“We did not want him to go,” said Mayor Paul Boyer of Jansons.
“He’s found a job, I think, that’s good for his career, so it makes sense,” Boyer said. “While he’s been in Farmersville, he’s definitely given it his all.”
Jansons has helped move projects forward that had been started before he started and with some on the city’s wish list. Currently, Farmersville is working on two large road projects – while Visalia Road is being widened to two lanes each direction, Farmersville Blvd. is seeing curb and gutter improvements, including becoming Americans with Disabilities Act compliant. Jansons was active in finding funding sources for the improvements, as well as overseeing the projects.
He also obtained funding for an urban stream project which is set to begin on Deep Creek within the city limits. The $756,000 project is being funded through State of California Department of Water Resources. The improvements will take place along a 2.9 mile area from Walnut Ave. on the north to Ash St. on the south, within city limits. It will improve the Deep Creek waterway, as well as provide a walking trail along its banks.
Jansons has also become quite active in the community, Boyer said, helping with community events such as the Veteran’s Day parade, and joining Kiwanis.
Not only will council miss him, but the community will as well.
During a recent city council meeting, when Jansons announced he would be leaving, “a couple of ladies had tears in their eyes,” Boyer said.
Jansons has been extremely helpful for the city in managing its budget. While council makes final decisions, Jansons has towed the line on expenditures and aided in seeing how to potentially add to the coffers for future anticipated and unanticipated needs.
Recently, Farmersville voted to go to metered water rates, and residents will see a slight increase in their rates. The city has placed a measure on the November ballot for a ½ cent sales tax increase and council is considering allowing a commercial cannabis growing business within the city that could come with taxation dollars – that taxation is also on the November ballot.
The city was considering possible interim management during a council meeting October 3. Council was also to discuss the intended search for Jansons’ replacement.
He’s going to be hard to replace, Boyer said. “He’s definitely left the city better than when he came.”