Prosser wraps up duties at City Hall; offers a thank you, but puts off an interview; he won't be at tonight's council meeting

CEDAR RAPIDS - City Manager Jim Prosser spent Tuesday, his last day of city employment here, visiting with staff and readying for his departure.

He returned a phone call – twice. But, for now, he declined an interview about his resignation, which he announced on Monday.

At the same time, though, Prosser was quick to take time to note that the latest report about the city's property valuations shows that residential property in the city has climbed 5.7 percent in value since Jan. 1, 2007.

“In my view, that's a good indication that, while we're certainly not fully recovered here, residential values have stayed strong,” Prosser said. He said that was contrary to values in other Iowa communities.

In a statement he released to city employees on Tuesday and later to the public, Prosser thanked the City Council, city employees and Cedar Rapidians for giving him the chance to serve the city.

He became the city's first city manager in August 2006 -- after a nationwide search -- in what that year was a first year for the city's new form of government, featuring a part-time council and full-time city manager.

In his statement Tuesday, Prosser listed among City Hall accomplishments these: government reorganization, improved service, more public participation, better planning for the future and flood recovery.

About flood recovery, he said: “Though there is still much work ahead, this community's efforts to recover from this disaster have been remarkable. It has been my distinct privilege and inspiration to work with you and along side of you.

“I owe all (the city's) employees my gratitude for their commitment to this city, its residents and public service. It has been a humbling experience … .”

Prosser offered a special thanks to “my Cedar Rapids neighbors” for their support. He thanked “Dave” at his local Hy-Vee Food Store who invited him, as the new city manager, to share dinner with his extended family and to watch a University of Iowa football game.

Cedar Rapids, he said, is “well on its way to flood recovery and becoming a greater city.”

Prosser will not be on hand at tonight's council meeting, Mayor Ron Corbett reported.