Saskatoon city manager Murray Totland to leave city hall at end of 2017 after 35-year career

Saskatoon city manager Murray Totland announced on Friday he is stepping down at the end of this year, becoming the second high-ranking city hall figure to announce his resignationin the last three months.

Totland, 60,has worked at city hall since 1982. He said at a news conference Friday it was a good time to leave because the city is in a "good place," adding that it was a personal decision.

He told Mayor Charlie Clark of his decision on Monday.

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The news comes three months after longtime Saskatoon police ChiefCliveWeighillannounced he would retire at the start of October.

Clark said both resignations were personal decisions made without his influence.

"It's not me cleaning house.I can tell you in both cases absolutely," said Clark.

"This isn't going to create turmoil. We are starting with a position of strength here."

Saskatoon becoming a 'small big city': Totland

Totland, an engineer by trade,said he was proud of the work the city has done on road infrastructure, describing it as "fundamentally game-changing."

He also remarked on the city's considerable population growth during his 35 years at the city.

"We're transitioning from this big small city to this small big city," he said.

Totlandsays hehas no plans to leave Saskatoon and will stay to see through the city's difficult 2018 budget, which is currently facing a $10.9-million shortfall.

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"I'd like to get that budget approved. That would be terrific," said Totland.

He did not rule out future work with the city or elsewhere.

Totland, whose contract expires in 2019,made more than $300,000 in salary in 2016 and will collect a bonus when he leaves.

Clark said a replacement for Totland may not be ready in time for Jan. 1, 2018, but that a hiring committee drawn from city councillors will be formed.

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