Jul 18, 2024

Junction City Manager retires

Posted Jul 18, 2024 12:12 AM
( L-R ) Assistant Junction City Police Chief Cory Odell and Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel 
( L-R ) Assistant Junction City Police Chief Cory Odell and Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel 

By Dewey Terrill

JC Post

Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel retired Wednesday after approximately nine and a half years in that job. He has completed about 35 years of career city management service that began March 1, 1989 in Oakley.

During a program at the Municipal Building the City's HR Director Tammy Melton noted that Dinkel's commitment to Junction City has been unwavering. 

He was presented with gifts by colleagues  ranging from a framed certificate to his own street sign.

( L-R ) Junction City Public Works Director Ray Ibarra and Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel
( L-R ) Junction City Public Works Director Ray Ibarra and Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel

Dinkel informed JC Post that the decision to retire was a good point for his family to do that. 

 On accomplishments "Again, knocking off debt. We've knocked the general obligation debt from $115 million to this fall when they make the payments in September it'll be down to $40 million. " Dinkel added that was not him but the people of the community who came together for it. "I think another thing is we put money in the bank. " That's what is necessary to operate in case bad things happen.

Dinkel also pointed to a strong employee team with great department heads. He was sentimental. "Yeah, probably because of the people."

There was a good turnout for the retirement ceremony on Wednesday. Family members, friends and community members were in attendance.