A city engineer responsible for utilities and wastewater
management announced his resignation after nearly 19 years working
for Hollister.
A city engineer responsible for utilities and wastewater management announced his resignation after nearly 19 years working for Hollister.
Utility Manager Jim Perrine will work his last day Aug. 8. He has accumulated vacation time, so his official last day will be in September.
He was recently hired by the City of Porterville – where Perrine grew up – to work for its public works department. Perrine said Porterville officials recruited him for the job.
“It looks to be a very exciting job opportunity in the community where I grew up,” Perrine said. “I still have friends and in-laws there. It’s a good job opportunity.”
Perrine, 49, is a resident of Marina, where he has been mayor. He and his wife plan to relocate to Porterville.
Facing significant budget cuts, city officials have not decided if the utility manager position will be filled or left vacant. The utility manager can make between $74,000 and $90,000, according to the human resources department.
City Manager Dale Shaddox included funding for the position in his draft budget. The City Council approve the final budget – which is scheduled to be accomplished in July. Several Council members have said vacant positions may not be filled, including the utility manager.
Perrine said someone currently working for the city, “at least for the interim,” will likely retain the utility manager responsibilities. Officials have mentioned Public Works Director Clint Quilter, Perrine’s immediate supervisor, as a possibility.
Perrine gave the city more than a month’s notice because, he said, “There are some important milestones coming for wastewater and the groundwater management plan.”
He took over as utility manager in May 2002 – around the time of the city’s 15-million gallon sewer spill, which officials suspect was caused by a gopher hole.
“Jim’s been a dedicated employee to the city for over 18 years,” Quilter said, “and I’m going to hate to see him go.”
Perrine also held positions within the Hollister Public Works Department as capital projects manager, engineering director, associate engineer and assistant engineer.
