The City Council of Peachtree City has appointed Justin Strickland as the interim city manager during a special called council meeting held on Thursday morning.
Strickland, currently serving as the assistant city manager, emphasized continuity in city operations after the vote, while also expressing gratitude to outgoing City Manager Bob Curnow for his leadership.
“We embraced uncompromised excellence during Bob’s tenure,” Strickland said, “and that’s something city staff aims for every day.”
Curnow’s last day as city manager will be April 21. Curnow and Strickland are working together for a seamless transition that maintains the City Council’s priorities, which include facilities maintenance, infrastructure investments, and economic development.
“The progress we made under Bob Curnow will continue with Justin,” Mayor Kim Learnard said. “The City Council and I look forward to working closely with Justin to enhance Peachtree City’s quality of life for all its residents.”
Councilman Clint Holland posted on this website a rebuttal of Editor Cal Beverly’s column about Curnow’s reason for resigning.
“I know you received a copy of Bob Curnow’s resignation letter this week,” Holland posted. “Please, sir, understand these are the real facts about the departure of City Manager Bob Curnow:
“Bob’s family and his extended family in Florida had some health issues that required more help than his family could handle without him at home.
“The City Manager works for all five of us in an equal manner. As a city council member, I can personally say that I had a excellent working relationship with Bob Curnow, and I wish him the very best in his future endeavors,” Holland concluded.
Here are pertinent portions of Curnow’s letter emailed to city staffers Monday, March 25:
“In the coming weeks, I will be stepping down from my role as City Manager,” Curnow wrote. “Many of you are aware that my family resides in south Florida. Due to circumstances outside of our control, my family has been unable to join me in Georgia. Like any of you, family is my priority and I have had to make this difficult decision with them in mind.”
Curnow’s last day working for the city will be April 21.
