Jack Stoneback's work for municipalities in the Wood River Valley spans a longer distance than the valley's length. On Friday, Feb. 25, Stoneback waves goodbye to years of serving cities in the valley as he retires as the city administrator of Bellevue.
"We bought a motor home and we are taking off in the motor home to enjoy life while we are still young enough to enjoy it," Stoneback explained.
Stoneback plans to keep his house in Hailey, but will venture to Mexico with his wife, stopping along the way to visit his daughter. The vacation comes after four years working as Bellevue's City Administrator. Previously he served as Hailey's Chief of Police and worked for the City of Sun Valley police department.
Stoneback's departure coincides with Mayor John Barton's announcement that he will not seek another term and Marshal Randy Tremble's announcement of plans to leave in the summer.
"It is going to be an interesting year for the council," he commented.
Complementing the city staff, council and the mayor, Stoneback remarked on a greater challenge facing the city—growth.
"The City of Bellevue is at the point now, that all the growth is coming this way. Bellevue is facing a lot of challenges," he commented.
Specifically he believes that the challenges involve the city's water, sewer, transportation and traffic on Main Street
He said the challenges involve "providing the basic services that people are going to want and trying to figure out long term goals and plans when it all happens."
According to Stoneback, Bellevue has not hired a new city administrator. He explained the city is in the processes of interviewing candidates. In the meantime, the mayor and council will administer the city. The city is also looking for a public works superintendent.
