Palmer to Leave Mount Kisco Village Manager’s Post
A chapter in Mount Kisco government will come to a close in June, when James Palmer, who has served as village manager for the past six years and has worked for the municipality for nearly two decades, will leave to become village administrator in Bronxville.
Palmer said it was a difficult decision to leave Mount Kisco, where he also lives. Bronxville is one of “a very few communities in Westchester that I would consider leaving for,” he said.
“First and foremost, I think of it always as an honor and a privilege to serve the community,” said Palmer, who starts his new job June 16.
Palmer said he did not actively seek a new job, but the Bronxville opening was “a unique opportunity that came up.” Bronxville is similar in many respects to Mount Kisco, with a vibrant downtown but with some challenges, such as empty storefronts that need to be filled.
He said he planned to continue living locally and take part in community activities after he moves on to his new job. Palmer currently earns a $159,500 salary in Mount Kisco.
Donald Marra, Bronxville’s interim village admininstrator, said Monday Palmer and officials had not agreed on a salary.
He started his career in Mount Kisco government 20 years ago as an intern. He later became assistant assessor before taking over as the assessor in 1995, a post he held until he was chosen village manager in 2008.
Palmer said he was proud of what was accomplished in Mount Kisco during his run as manager, working with the village board and the employees. Despite the obstacles caused by the recession in 2008, the village was able to receive an upgrade to an Aa2 bond rating, the second highest it could receive from the rating agencies, he said.
One of the village’s major achievements during his time was the construction of the new library, Palmer said, recalling that he watched the demolition of the former facility and construction of the new building from his office.
Another major project is the upcoming addition to the Department of Public Works building, with the contract bidding process scheduled to begin this fall. There have also been renovations of the playing fields at the senior citizen center and the creation of the Shoppers’ Park Business Improvement District.
“We offer a high quality of life that is affordable. That’s unusual for Westchester,” he said.
Palmer said he was grateful to have worked with “such a great board and such knowledgeable board members over the years.”
Mayor Michael Cindrich declined comment on Palmer’s pending departure, saying he would discuss it at a later time.
