HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Tim Vagle, Holland’s director of finance announced his plan to retire, with his last day set for Dec. 31, 2020, according to a statement emailed to media by city officials.
Vagle’s 29-year career included joining the City of Holland in 2007 as the Director of Finance, managing the fiscal services department which includes divisions for finance, treasury, assessing, and purchasing.
“Tim has been a critical member of the City Leadership Team, bringing expertise, wisdom, character, and quick wit in our efforts to make and keep Holland a great place to live and work. He will be missed,” said City Manager Keith Van Beek.
During his 14 years as Finance Director Tim worked with elected officials and staff to secure funding for several major projects and initiatives, including:
- Getting funding for major City infrastructure projects such as the Seventh and Ninth streets’ parking
decks. - Financing new or improved city facilities, including the Holland Civic Center Place renovation.
- Achieving and maintaining the city’s AA-bond rating since 2002. AA is the third highest rating out of more than 20 ratings.
- Maintaining the employee pension program, including the issuance of pension bonds to pay down unfunded accrued liability.
- Receiving awards for excellence in the city’s annual financial reports and budget documents, 14 consecutive years.
- He oversaw the new financial software system implemented for the city, library, Macatawa Area Express (MAX) and the West Michigan Regional Airport.
- Served as City Clerk for more than five years.
City officials indicated his stewardship brought the City of Holland through the recent recession, helping plan a fiscally sound budget. Where many communities
faltered, he helped the city be financially positioned for the future.
“Serving Holland has been an honor and pure joy. I have the highest respect for the community members and will miss the amazing employees I was fortunate to work with,” Vagle said in the city’s statement.
He’s been an active community member, serving on the Tulip Time Festival Executive Board and the Holland SmartZone Local Development Finance Authority; president of the Holland Energy Fund; and the finance director for the MAX and the Airport.
Typically, city officials host a community open house for retiring long-time employees, but this isn’t possible for Vagle, because of the pandemic.
Lynn McCammon, hired in September, will transition to the director of finance role.
