Clovis city manager stepping down

CLOVIS — Larry Fry is stepping away after nearly two years in Clovis' city manager's chair.

City officials generated a media release Friday announcing Fry's intent to resign effective April 30.

"I am retiring under the PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association of New Mexico)," said Fry, who will have served just over two years as Clovis city manager by the end of next month, after working in the same capacity in Roswell for more than 20 years. "But I am still resigning as part of the retirement."

He said he had reached the point that he is eligible to retire under the PERA retirement plan, but PERA would not allow him to draw retirement and keep working. Fry said after petitioning another state retirement plan body, the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), for a return to work provision that was ultimately denied — Fry said he decided to go the retirement route.

"It does not make economic sense to continue to work," said Fry, who said two-thirds of the state's municipalities operate under the ICMA retirement system while the remainder subscribe to PERA. "I referenced that in my resignation letter. I have enjoyed my time in Clovis, there's a great staff here and I found it difficult to leave that environment. Clovis is a great community and very pleasant for us."

Clovis Mayor Pro Tem Juan Garza said Fry performed his duties admirably since he was hired in April 2015.

"We were not surprised, but we haven't yet thought about a Plan B," said Garza regarding the news of Fry's impending departure. "When he was hired he told us he would do what he could to help the city. He has done a wonderful job, whether it be working to keep city services on point, helping with the budget or working with the legislature. I anticipate we will be talking more next week about the direction we wish to take on alternatives for replacing Mr. Fry."

Fry said he is not sure what his next move will be.

"There's really nothing definitive at this point," he said. "I'm still trying to figure out the different directions, but right now there are no specifics."