Germantown is nearing the end of an era as City Administrator Patrick Lawton announced Monday night he will retire after 32 years of overseeing the suburb’s day-to-day operations.

Lawton, who turns 65 in November, announced his intentions at the end of the regular Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting. He read a letter to the aldermen he presented to Mayor Mike Palazzolo earlier this summer. Lawton’s wife, Kathy, and son, Kip, were present for the announcement. Several former aldermen also attended the meeting.

“This is not a wake, it’s a celebration,” Palazzolo said, although he was emotional as Lawton read the letter. Palazzolo’s face turned red as he struggled to fight tears.

“Your leadership will be remembered for a lifetime,” Alderwoman Mary Anne Gibson said. “… I know you put the city’s needs first.”

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For months when asked about retirement Lawton has answered the city is still fighting COVID-19, but Monday he noted it was time.

“We’re still (fighting the pandemic), but I hope we’re learning to adjust,” he said. “After 34 years it’s time to pass the torch to the next generation.”

Lawton joined the suburb in 1988 as assistant city administrator. He was promoted to the top appointed spot one year later and will hold that position until his retirement is official at the end of the year. 

Longevity is rare in a position like Lawton’s. The average tenure for a city administrator or manager is six years, according to the University of Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service. Sometimes opportunities elsewhere arise; other time there is a change when a new mayor is elected.

However, Lawton — who has served under three mayors — is an exception, as well as his friend James Lewellen, who also plans to retire soon after a long career as town administrator of Collierville. Lewellen worked as assistant city administrator for Lawton before heading to the east.

“He’s a good man,” Lewellen said multiple times. “A lot of what Patrick taught me, I brought straight to Collierville.”

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Lewellen said some of those were simple changes like reports for the board on items they would consider. Throughout his career he’s used Lawton as a sounding board to float ideas.

“I think Patrick’s been a good friend to me for all these years, and we’ve consulted each other for years,” Lewellen said. “It’s good we are retiring at the same time. ... He did a lot for the city management position.”

Under Lawton, Germantown grew from less than 33,000 to more than 41,000 residents. With growth came amenities like a new large library in his first decade and expansion of the city limits to its full capacity. The city consistently boasted a AAA-bond rating.

Lawton makes about $220,000 annually.

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A successor was not immediately named. However, in 2017 Jason Huisman left Illinois and joined the suburb as assistant city administrator. Some believe he is the front-runner for the job.

By city ordinance, the mayor appoints the city administrator and the appoint is confirmed by aldermen. The aldermen then establish the salary. The city administrator serves at the will of the mayor.

Palazzolo said in the next few weeks “he will formulate a game plan,” but has not put much thought to Lawton’s successor.