With his family

and friends looking on, city manager Tony Cox bid the Fairburn City Council

a fond farewell Monday night.

Cox is headed

to Radford, Va. at the end of this week to assume a city manager's post

there.

But before

he left Fairburn, Cox reflected on his nine years of service.

"Things

look a whole lot different now. In 1993, we'd do about 20 building permits.

Now, that's a good two weeks work," he said.

Cox thanked

his staff who helped him deal with and plan for the rapid growth that

has occurred in the last few years.

The city's

leaders were effusive in their appreciation of Cox's efforts.

City planner

Bill Johnston said Cox was responsible for the city's new zoning ordinances,

along with an updated sign ordinance and tree ordinance.

Mayor Betty

Hannah fought back tears in her praise of the city manager and gave him

three paintings of Fairburn.

Cox said he

saw a bright future for Fairburn and believes it's in a good position

to handle any future growth that comes its way.