City of Orlinda: Kevin Breeding (City Manager) Announces Departure After 24 Years of Service
ORLINDA TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) –City Manager Kevin Breeding has announced his decision to step down from his role as City Manager of Orlinda, effective October 4, 2024, after serving in the position for 24 years. During his tenure, Breeding played a significant role in overseeing economic growth and infrastructure development in Orlinda while maintaining the rural character of the city. His work included attracting new businesses, creating jobs, and managing city finances, all while balancing his ongoing responsibilities as City Manager of Cedar Hill, Tennessee. The Orlinda City Council is currently in the process of selecting his successor.
“After almost a quarter century of dedicated service, City Manager Kevin Breeding has announced that he will be stepping down from his role as Orlinda City Manager to pursue new professional opportunities and to focus more time on his current role as City Manager of Cedar Hill, Tennessee,” the city said in a statement Thursday. “Breeding’s departure from Orlinda marks the end of a remarkable 24-year career with the city, where he played an instrumental role in leading Orlinda into the 21st century, starting in the year 2000. In that time, he recruited more than 575 million dollars of new business investment into the City Limits of Orlinda, worked with private industries to create more than 420 new jobs, aided in the establishment of 32 new sales tax-paying businesses, and oversaw more than 22 million dollars in government infrastructure improvements. These economic achievements, combined with his notoriously conservative budget proposals, allowed the City to operate with a surplus in 21 of the 24 years he served, thereby increasing the City’s reserves from a negative balance with outstanding debt in 2000 to more than 3 million dollars in reserve funds in 2024. These reserves will generate over $100,000 in interest income this year alone.
“Perhaps the most significant aspect of Orlinda’s economic success over the last 24 years is that it came with almost no impact on Orlinda’s rural character. Only 2 parcels of agricultural land were rezoned to commercial in the last 24 years, and less than 50 of Orlinda’s 4,300 acres were developed residentially. This was all made possible by concentrating commercial growth and development on the I-65 area and bypassing residential development guidelines that made Orlinda less attractive for development, something most residents appreciate about this community.
“Breeding has been a steadfast leader and advocate for the community. He served on the Byrum Porter Senior Center 22 out of his 24 years with the City. He served on 7 other Boards in the City and in Robertson County during his tenure and oversaw 29 community events put on by the City for its people. He planted and personally managed a public fruit orchard in the City park with 21 varieties of fruit that are free to residents of Orlinda and helps children to see that fruit doesn’t just come from supermarkets.
Kevin Breeding reflected on his time in Orlinda, saying:
“It has been the honor of my career to serve the people of Orlinda for almost a quarter century. Not a single one of the accomplishments I achieved could have been done without the support of the public and the vision and hard work of all the Mayors and City Council members I have served under. Without a single exception, every elected official in Orlinda with whom I have served all wanted the best for our town. They not only publicly supported me, but also worked hard alongside me every week to make Orlinda the best it could be. I will also never forget the incredible people of Orlinda. From my first day on the job until today, I was made to feel welcomed and shown more kindness and support than any City Manager could ever ask for. The vast majority of Orlinda residents have always been supportive and encouraging, and I offer all of you my most sincere thanks for showing me so much warmth, friendliness, and making me feel so welcome. I will always remember you and the interactions we shared”
Breeding’s departure is scheduled for October 4, though he may continue in some limited capacity for a short time beyond that until a replacement can be hired. The City Council has announced that they are in the process of identifying his successor and resumes will be accepted until October 15.
Mayor Tabitha Swearingen expressed gratitude for Breeding’s service:
“Kevin has been an extraordinary City Manager whose impact on Orlinda cannot be overstated. His leadership, vision, and commitment have made our city a better place to live, work, and raise a family. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors and thank him for his years of exemplary service.”
The City of Orlinda is one of 11 cities in Robertson County, TN. Incorporated in 1965, the city has 9 employees and an annual budget of just over $800,000 in 2024. The Orlinda Fire Department uses a combination of full-time professionals and volunteers to provide emergency medical and fire services to the City Limits and northeastern Robertson County. Utilities are provided by outside agencies.
For additional information, please go to: cityoforlindatn.com
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