After 25 years as the finance and administration director for the City of Morden, Garry Hiebert is retiring.

His last official day is today, but because he has so many holidays saved up, he's still "working" there until the end of the year.

"The time has flown by," Hiebert commented after his final council meeting on Monday.

"It's been an interesting time [with] many changes along the way," he said.

When Hiebert started with the City in 1991, there were less than 6,000 people living in Morden and the community budget was around $4.5 million. Council meeting minutes were still being taken by hand--though a computer based system was run as well. Now the population is about 9,500, and the annual budget has swelled to $11.8 million.

Though he admits it's a bit of a scary decision to make, Hiebert is confident that now is the time to retire from his post.

"I just turned 60," Hiebert said, "and I thought maybe this was a time to possibly move on to something else, not full time I guess."

"It will be a really strange feeling walking out the door, he added, "but it's also been a great feeling to be able to serve the City of Morden and the community for the past 25 years. I will forever be a Mordenite. We have a really beautiful little community and so much going for us, and I look forward to continuing to enjoy it."

The City of Morden council expressed their personal thanks to Hiebert for his long-time service during his last council meeting.

"I extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Garry Hiebert for his service to Morden over the past 25 years," said Mayor Ken Wiebe. "You will be missed, but on behalf of council and staff I would like to share all of our best wishes to you in your retirement."

Though Hiebert emphasized he's enjoyed his time with the City, he admitted, with a chuckle, that he really wants his summer's off so he can focus on his golf-game.