Knoxville City Manager Harold Stewart has resigned his position.

Stewart interviewed for same position in Warrensburg, MO, on Monday. He submitted his letter of resignation upon returning.
Stewart has been city manager since June 2011. He’s previously held similar positions in Ogallala, NE, and Yuma, AZ.
Since Stewart’s arrival, Knoxville has undertaken numerous projects, including downtown Streetscape, the building of Section 42 housing, and the renovations of Hardees and McDonald’s, among others. He’s also helped the city gain financial stability that led to an excellent sewer bond rating from Moody’s, allowing bonds to be refinanced at a lower interest rate and saving Knoxville hundreds of thousands of dollars in the process.
The search for a new Knoxville City Manager will begin immediately. Below is a copy of his letter of resignation:
June 29, 2015
Dear Mayor and Council,
As you are all aware I was recently recruited to consider serving as the city manager of Warrensburg, MO and have participated in the interview process. Upon the conclusion of their recruitment process the Mayor and City Council of Warrensburg have asked me to be the city manager of their community and staff. Today, after much discussion with my wife and children, I met with the Warrensburg Council and accepted their offer. As such I am tendering my two month notice of resignation as is required by my contract with the City of Knoxville. My last day of employment with the City of Knoxville will be August 28, 2015.
This was not an easy decision for me. I have enjoyed working under your leadership for the last four years, and we have had great success together. Your support and willingness to help make Knoxville better has been refreshing and invigorating. The staff has been a pleasure to work with, and I am proud of the personal commitment and hard work they put in every day to serve Knoxville. Finally, my family and I have enjoyed the friendships we have developed in the community and the surrounding area. Knoxville is a wonderful community to raise a family and, I believe, has a very bright future in store.
As I look back over the last four years, I am amazed at what we have been able to accomplish together. The City is in better financial health. The Downtown Infrastructure Replacement and Streetscape project will be completed soon, on time. There has been significant reinvestment into the community with the rebuild of McDonalds, Hardees, and Casey’s. Businesses such as Weiler, Spahn & Rose, and the hospital have expanded. New growth has occurred with the additions of the Cobblestone Hotel, Section 42 Housing, and new lots being added in Westridge. Finally, significant planning has occurred to improve Knoxville’s future with an update of codes and the comprehensive plan, a road improvement plan, Recreation Center expansion study, and the Library expansion study. In addition the Red Rock Industrial Park Feasibility Study, Public Safety Building study, Trails Master Plan, and Young’s Park Master Plan are soon to be completed also. This, in my opinion, is a significant amount of work and progress that could only be accomplished with a visionary Council and wonderful, dedicated staff.
I cannot understate what a pleasure it has been to work with you and serve as your city manager. I am proud of the significant progress we have had in moving the community forward so significantly and so positively. It is my sincere hope that you, the staff, and the community will take pride that because of what we have accomplished together, another quality community such as Warrensburg has asked me to come and help them do the same.
With sincerity and appreciation,
Harold Stewart