SACO — City Administrator Richard “Rick” Michaud has announced his retirement, which will be effective at the end of the year.

Michaud announced in a letter dated June 12 that he would retire Dec. 31.

Michaud has been the city administrator since 1999, and said in the letter it was “a pleasure and a fortune” to have worked with such a hard-working and professional staff, “quite probably the best in the state.”

“I have enjoyed working with mayors and councils who are visionaries, leaders, stewards of the public trust, and who did what was best for the city,” wrote Michaud. “As well, I have enjoyed working for elected officials who were business-friendly, innovators, early implementers, goal-driven and results-oriented.”

Former Mayor Mark Johnston, who served several terms during Michaud’s tenure, said he is happy to hear that Michaud will have more time to spend with his family and on his personal life, but at the same time, Michaud’s retirement is a loss for the city.

“Rick understood Saco and had a vision for the community,” said Johnston.

Johnston described Michaud as a patient man who is admired and respected by city department heads.

Michaud said in his letter that he would be happy to help with the recruitment of a replacement, and would be available to help the new administrator acclimate into the position.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.