Garland City Manager William E. Dollar will retire May 31, after serving the city for almost 44 years. Dollar announced his retirement to the mayor and City Council during the Jan. 20 City Council meeting.
He shared the news with city employees thanking them for dedication and support:
“It has been a joy to work with such a wonderful team of people who have served this community with selfless dedication and a commitment to making Garland great,” Dollar said. The most important thing we can do in our jobs is to make a difference – do some good. That has always been my goal in my career, and if my time here is considered successful, it is because each one of you has made a difference in all you do every day.”
Dollar has served Garland as city manager since September 2003. He has become a recognized authority in the areas of public works and utility services during a career that has spanned four decades.
Mayor Douglas Athas praised Mr. Dollar’s leadership during his tenure as City Manager.
“Bill has guided this organization through tumultuous economic times, allowing us to maintain stable city services, stay strong financially and retain innovative, talented people when other cities around the country were struggling,” Athas said.
Mr. Dollar’s time as city manager has been punctuated by many significant achievements:
The opening of Firewheel Town Center.
Development of Harbor Point anchored by Bass Pro Shops.
Negotiation of a successful public-private partnership that resulted in the transit-oriented development, Fifth Street Crossing, in downtown Garland.
Phase II of the Downtown Redevelopment project currently underway that includes a second multifamily development next to city hall, major city hall renovations, Heritage Crossing and many other infrastructure and quality-of-life improvements to downtown Garland.
The GREAT Homes program, developed during the recession to spur revitalization in mature neighborhoods. This program has received national recognition as a “best practices model” and will receive the Aubrey Nelson Award from the National Community Development Corporation on Jan. 23.
Creation and implementation of the Strategy for Vital Neighborhoods, which recognizes Garland’s neighborhoods and a critical asset for the city’s growth and success.
Law Street Media has ranked Garland the ninth safest city in the U.S. for the past two years (population 200,000+). Law Street attributes the city of Garland’s public safety success to the variety of community programs, including Neighborhood Crime Watch and Crime Stoppers.
Dollar is a Garland native and began his career as a design engineer in 1971. Since then, he has served as director of Wastewater Treatment and director of Public Works. In 1985, he became assistant city manager of Utilities Services and served in that capacity until his appointment as city manager. He has served on the Texas Public Power Association board of directors and the American Public Power Association board of directors.
He is also a member of First United Methodist Church of Garland. He and his wife, Tandy, enjoy golfing at Garland’s Firewheel Golf Park, and they are looking forward to spending time with grandkids and friends.