Paul Mackey, the face of St. John's public works for many years, is one of five senior city staff who have accepted early retirement offers.

The city also announced Tuesday that it will be making similar offers to another two dozen employees, and will reveal the cost savings in the Dec. 14 budget.

Mackey, who has worked at city hall for 23 years, is the deputy city manager of public works.

He was on vacation when he got the offer last week, and because he was planning to retire in a year or so anyway, the offer made sense.

"It kind of focused me up," Mackey told CBC News Tuesday morning. "Having made the decision, I'm comfortable with it."

Last day Monday

He said other deputy managers have also accepted the early retirement package, giving younger staff an opportunity to move up.

The city confirmed that Dave Blackmore in planning, development and engineering, Jill Brewer in community services, and Robert Bishop in financial management are also leaving.

Kevin Breen stays on in corporate services. Mackey said Breen is not eligible for early retirement.

Paul Mackey says he will spend more time with his family in Ottawa and Twillingate after he retires. (CBC)

For more than two decades at city hall, Mackey has been the media contact for issues like snow clearing, garbage collection and pothole repair. Before that, he worked 11 years for the St. John's area metroboard.

"I have contact with so many people. I'm going to miss my co-workers and the public, and the media," he said.

"But, I have a clean slate to work from. I have good health. I'm not going to be sitting around."

Mackey turns 64 in the spring and said he is looking forward to spending more time with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoys biking, skiing, and travel.

His last day on the job is Monday.

More to come

Coun. Jonathan Galgay said in a news briefing Tuesday afternoon that another 20 to 25 city staff are being offered retirement incentives.

"We have no issues at city hall in terms of conflicts," he said. "But there will be positions within each of the divisions that will not be filled."

Coun. Jonathan Galgay says the early retirements will mean savings, and details will come out in the December budget. (CBC)

Galgay said a "clear analysis of where we will see our savings" will come on budget day, Dec. 14.

"We will see some elimination in some management positions as people move up through the systems."

City announces replacements

In the meantime, the city has announced the appointment of new deputy managers, who will take over Dec.1.

Lynnann Winsor will move into Mackey's job.

Derek Coffey has been appointed deputy manager of financial management.

Jason Sinyard moves into planning, development and engineering.

Tanya Haywood takes over community services.

Cheryl Mullett replaces Robert Bursey as city solicitor.

Galgay said there will be no interruption in services at city hall, and while the departing managers leave "a huge void," their replacements have "a significant amount of experience."​