SUNBURY — City Administrator Steve Pyles recently retired, the Sunbury Facebook page said.

“Steve – your legacy will live on through the people you led, the lessons you taught, and the teams you’ve built. It has been my honor to serve with you,” wrote Mayor Joe St. John.

“You will be missed, Steve!” added councilman Damin Cappel. “Enjoy your upcoming free time and thank you for your service to the city!”

Pyles took on the role just before Sunbury officially became a city.

“Steve Pyles started as Administrator on August 4, 2021, after serving for two years as the Zoning Officer for Sunbury,” said the city’s website. “Steve previously managed Granville, Ohio for three years and Wellington, Ohio for 10 years. He has also held the position of HR Director for Marion, Ohio and worked in the private sector, including serving as the Chief Operating Officer for a regional Ohio company. Steve brings a wealth of human resources, budgeting, development and municipal government operations experience to the Sunbury. Steve received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Wittenberg University and his graduate education at Akron University. He has been involved in the communities he serves in various capacities, serving on boards and volunteering as a Big Brother, adult literacy tutor, Rotarian and lending his hands to Sizzle and Sounds, Project Playground and other community events.”

Pyles and his wife live in Delaware.

The Sunbury City Charter defines the role of its administrator.

“The Administrator shall be the chief administrative officer of the Municipality,” the charter states. “The Administrator shall be responsible to the Council for the administration of all affairs of the Municipality placed in the Administrator’s charge by or under this Charter, the legislation of the Municipality, and the laws of the State of Ohio.”

The administrator’s duties are to:

• “Appoint, promote, suspend, remove, or otherwise discipline any employee of the Municipality, except those within the Police Department…”

• “Direct and supervise the administration of all departments, offices, and agencies of the Municipality, except the Police…”

• “Attend all regular and special Council meetings with the right to participate in discussions and introduce ordinances and resolutions, but not to vote;”

• “Assist as needed to enforce within the Municipality all laws, provisions of this Charter, and legislation of the Municipality;”

• “Prepare and submit budgets and capital programs to the Council, and implement the final budget approved by the Council;”

• “Keep the Council fully advised as to the financial condition and future operating and capital needs of the Municipality and make such recommendations to the Council concerning the affairs of the Municipality as the Administrator deems desirable;”

• “Submit to Council and make available to the public complete records of the financial and administrative activities of the Municipality;”

• “Make such other reports as the Council may require concerning the operation of departments, divisions, offices, boards, commissions, bureaus, and agencies of the Municipality;”

• “Provide staff support services for the Council, the Mayor, and the Municipality’s boards, commissions, and committees;”

• “Execute on behalf of the Municipality all contracts, leases, deeds, easements, conveyances, and agreements.”

Sunbury City Council will appoint the new administrator. For more information, visit sunburyohio.org.

Assistant Editor Gary Budzak covers the eastern half of Delaware County and surrounding areas. He may be reached at [email protected].