Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - There will soon be another noticeable absence at Rochester City Hall.

First, longtime City Administrator Steve Kvenvold decided to retire and left at the end of May. Now his longtime assistant Gary Neumann has decided to call it quits at the end of January.

Kvenvold served as administrator for 38 years. Neumann’s tenure as his assistant hit 35 years this month.

Reflecting Tuesday on the highlights of all those years, Neumann said one of his proudest achievements was getting elected officials and citizens to authorize a local sales tax that continues to help the city expand without increasing property taxes.

The tax was initially adopted to pay for the city’s flood control project and a new arena at the Mayo Civic Center. It was later renewed to pay for several other large projects.

Neumann was also heavily involved and often the point man in several other huge initiatives, including DMC, higher education, downtown redevelopment - and the eight year fight to stop the proposed DM&E project.

Neumann has no immediate retirement plans but does expect to continue living in the city - and go to more Twins games.

More From KROC-AM