OLIVE TWP., MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Aug. 6, 2023) – The search is on for a number 2 person in the operations of Ottawa County government.
This past Friday was the last day on the job for Deputy County Administrator Patrick Waterman, who gave his two-week notice on July 24th, and was on paid administrative leave until his resignation took effect. Before leaving last September for the Fillmore Street Complex, Waterman had been Hudsonville’s city manager for 12 years, overseeing the renovation of the downtown district among other improvement and enhancement efforts. He has also been Grand Haven Township’s Community Development Director, and has private sector experience in municipal planning and engineering consulting.
In his notice, Waterman cited issues in establishing a working relationship with County Administrator John Gibbs as one of the reasons for his departure. Fourth District Commissioner Jacob Bonnema of Zeeland, who was censured by his fellow board members as well as the Ottawa County Republican Party earlier this summer for his public dispute over communications with the administrator, understands what Waterman was feeling.
Waterman has accepted a position as deputy city manager for the city of Wyoming, working again with John Shay, who had been ousted as the Ottawa County administrator in January and was replaced by Gibbs. Shay announced in April he was hired as Wyoming’s city manager.
