Harriss party celebrates 25 years of service

“As a rib, a couple of people in the office gave me this name plate,” St. Augustine’s retiring City Manager, Bill Harriss told me. “It’s been on the corner of my desk ever since.”

“Wm. B. Harriss” the name plate says; his title “Regan’s Hey Boy”.

Harriss was surrounded by about 200 family members, friends and coworkers at his retirement party held in the Alcazar Room and courtyard at City Hall yesterday afternoon; including John Regan who has been promoted into Harriss’ position.

Twenty-five years is a long time to be with one employer, but, Harriss made it look easy as he served in two high-profile and stressful positions — starting in 1985 as the City’s Finance Manager and, for the past 15 years, as City Manager.

Twenty-five years ago, the outlook was dismal for St. Augustine when it came time to raise capital for major projects through the sale of municipal bonds. One retiring commissioner was quoted as saying we were in “junk bond status”.

Today, the City of St. Augustine enjoys “AA-minus” Water and Sewer Bond rating and a General Obligation Bond rating of “AA-minus”; credited largely to Harriss’ influence. “Fitch Rating Service has increased the city’s ratings,” said incoming Assistant City Manager Tim Burchfield. “The rating agency views the city as a quality organization and a solid investment.”

Harris isn’t one to stand on sentiment — and last night was no exception. With only a few thankful words, he joined the guests — as others spoke-up to wish him well. Harriss told me that he “probably would get emotional” when he saw everyone last night, but, overall, he seemed to hold up well.

St. Johns County Sheriff David B. Shoar was appointed Chief of Police for the City of St. Augustine under Harriss’ watch, and on the occasion of Harriss’ retirement, Shoar returned the favor … sort of. Shoar and wife Laura are friends of Bill and his wife Scarlet. Shoar told the attendees that he knew that Harriss had always wanted to be a law enforcement officer. Under former Sheriff Neil Perry, Harriss was first appointed to serve as a fully certified law enforcement deputy and he is a member of the Sheriff’s Reserve.

Last night, Shoar presented Harriss with an award making him St. Johns County’s first “Honorary Sheriff”.

Photo credits: © 2010 Historic City News staff photographer