City Manager Jon Ruiz, Eugene's chief executive for more than a decade, announced Thursday he will retire next month.

Ruiz, 60, carefully considered the timing of his decision and "it is the right time to begin a new season," he said in a statement.

"Working with the community, the council and city employees, we have accomplished a lot in nearly 12 years," Ruiz said. "To have worked with a team willing and able to say 'can do' to so much in so little time has been one of the greatest joys and privileges in my life."

Ruiz's last day will be Oct. 18.

"Jon has been an extraordinarily capable and steady hand on the helm of the city over the last decade," Mayor Lucy Vinis said in a statement. "He is leaving the city in a strong position for the future and we truly appreciate his service to the community."

Ruiz wasn't available for additional comment Thursday. Vinis didn't immediately return a phone message seeking additional comment.

Vinis, using her authority granted by the Eugene city charter, tapped Public Works Director Sarah Medary, a former Eugene assistant city manager with 23 years of experience in the local municipal government, as interim city manager. The city didn't announce any details about the search for Ruiz's successor but in the past launched a nationwide hunt.

"Sarah has an in-depth knowledge of every city department," Vinis said. "Her experience, expertise and strong relationships in the community and organization will provide a stable transition for the city."

The coming vacancy of Eugene's top appointed post comes as neighboring Springfield continues its search for a city manager.

Ruiz, who began his tenure in April 2008, will end his career as Eugene's second-longest-serving city manager. Only former City Manager Mike Gleason, who held the job for 15 years from 1981 to 1996, served longer. Throughout his time in Eugene, Ruiz received high marks during his job performance evaluations conducted by his bosses, the eight elected city councilors.

Under Eugene's council-manager form of government, the part-time city councilors are Eugene's legislative body and hire and oversee the work of the city manager. The city manger runs the day-to-day operations of the municipal government. The mayor, who also works part-time, presides over council meetings, sets council agendas and serves as Eugene's ceremonial head.

Eugene has an annual total budget of more than a half-billion dollars and about 1,500 employees.

Ruiz is the city's highest paid employee, drawing an annual base salary of $241,155.

Ruiz has served in the public sector for 39 years. Prior to coming to Oregon, Ruiz served as the public works director and assistant city manager in Fresno, Calif. He also worked for the cities of Ogden, Utah, and City of Fort Collins, Colorado. Ruiz is a retired U.S. Army colonel.

Upon his arrival, Ruiz navigated the city through the Great Recession, reducing the city's operating budget by more than $30 million.

Ruiz has been at the helm as the municipal government embarked on its master land-use planning effort known as Envision Eugene and was successful in securing voter approval of local bonds and levies worth $132 million that have repaired roads, expanded library services, built new parks and improved parks and recreation programs.

He will depart as Eugene is close to realizing the long-gestating community goal of connecting downtown with the Willamette River. The city is joining a Portland developer to transform 16 acres of riverfront property into a new mixed-used neighborhood complemented by a community park.

The city also has begun planning for the Town Square project, which will construct a new City Hall, year-round farmers market and improved Park Block in the area around Oak Street and Eighth Avenue.

Ruiz faced a public outcry three years ago for his handling of the now-abandoned City Hall project that was to be built on the corner of Pearl Street and Eighth Avenue. Ruiz later acknowledged the process was flawed.

Ruiz has been deeply involved in initiatives to providing affordable housing for veterans returning from overseas or homeless and to provide shelter for homeless youth. Despite these efforts, some residents have criticized the city's political leaders and its administration for the slow and heavy-handed response to the homelessness crisis.

In 2017, the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce named Ruiz its First Citizen for his work with the city to address veteran homelessness, revitalize Eugene’s downtown and promote its economic prosperity.

Follow Christian Hill on Twitter @RGchill. Email christian.hill@registerguard.com.