BROOKVILLE — City manager Sonja Keaton received accolades and thanks for her 31 years of dedicated service to the city.

Keaton retired from public service Friday, Feb. 9.

“I want to wish you the best on your retirement. I appreciate everything you have done for me while I’ve been on planning commission and council,” councilmember Curt Schreier said at Keaton’s last council meeting as city manager on Feb. 6.

“I want to congratulate Sonja on her retirement. We’ve worked together for 30 years. She’s been a great leader for us as a finance director and a city manager. We will miss you,” law director Rod Stephan said.

Vice Mayor James Zimmerlin told Keaton “the easiest decision I ever made,” referring to when he voted yes to name Keaton as city manager.

Police chief Doug Jerome thanked Keaton for her working relationship with him and fire chief Ron Fletcher.

“I know the fire chief (Ron Fletcher) and I have talked to you off an on the last couple of weeks and you’ve been super for the chiefs and we’ve reported that (fact) to council over the last four or five years,” Jerome said.

“I’ve worked for a lot of people in 33 years in this business and I will say Sonja has been one of the most level-headed and understanding persons I’ve ever worked for and I appreciate that,” Jerome said.

“She’s always had our best interest in mind. Sonja, we appreciate you and everything you’ve done for us,” Jerome added.

Councilmember Dennis Piper said Keaton’s reputation as a leader extends beyond Brookville.

“Not only do the people in Brookville recognize what you have done for the city, there are people outside of Brookville who recognize you for the leadership you’ve given the city. That was evident when we were at the planning and zoning workshop at Sinclair (Community College),” Piper said.

Mayor Chuck Letner thanked Keaton for what she has done for the city and for him.

“It’s been a great 31 years and I’ve had the pleasure of being part of 16 of them,” Letner said.

“I can’t thank you enough for how accommodating you’ve been for me in my role, not just on council, but especially as mayor,” Letner said.

“Before I had the luxury of retiring myself, you waited for me to get off work, whether by choice, I don’t know, but you were there every afternoon and briefed me on what was going on in the city and I can’t thank you enough because you kept me informed and made my job a lot easier,” Letner said.

“We’ve always had a lot of good banter. I feel we’ve always been on the same page You’re leaving Brookville a lot better than you found it,” Letner said.

Keaton thanked everyone for the kind words.

“I’ve enjoyed my time as city manager. I appreciate council having the trust in me to move into this position,” Keaton said.

City employees expressed their thanks to Keaton at a luncheon on Friday, Feb. 9.

The luncheon was followed by an open house for Keaton held at the Leiber Center in Golden Gate Park, 545 Upper Lewisburg-Salem Road.

Hundreds of citizens and officials from around the area showed up to thank Keaton for her service and dedication to the city and to wish her well in her retirement.

Reach Terry Baver at [email protected].