They began filing into the council chambers here on March 29 as the meeting was nearly over.
There were over 70 staff members who came to salute and say goodbye to treasurer Craig Dyer, who resigned at council earlier that morning.
Dyer, who had been with Wellington County for 11 years, was a little taken aback as the gallery became packed.
“I thought we had a policy of no surprises,” he said.
It took Dyer three tries to offer an emotional farewell speech.
“There’s nothing I can say that would adequately describe my time here at Wellington County,” he said.
He added the staff and people “are the best I’ve ever worked with. I knew it would be hard to leave; I didn’t know it would be this hard. It’s been 11 fantastic years.”
Dyer said, “A lot of that has been due to [chief administrative officer] Scott [Wilson]. The way you pull things together … It’s been a privilege to work with you and council.”
Warden Chris White told Dyer the county will miss him.
“On behalf of county council and staff I would like to thank Craig for 11 great years of municipal service.”
White added, “From where I sit, staff, at the end of the day, make the council. The fundamental thing we do here … is the budget. In the time I’ve been here, Craig has done a phenomenal job.”
White added, “He’s a good man and a good friend … I know Waterloo is gaining something wonderful.”
Wilson summed it up for many in the chamber when he said, “I don’t want Craig to leave. Wellington County is a different and a better place because of Craig Dyer and the time he has spent here.”
Wilson said Dyer has always worked with “tremendous professionalism and great decorum.
“He’s provided excellent advice to council and to me. He will bring to Waterloo Region great expertise and the same success he has brought here.”
Dyer received a standing ovation from council and staff.
In an interview after the meeting, he said he will be leaving on April 18 and start his new position on April 23. He said he will continue to live in Fergus “for the moment.”
In comparing Wellington and the region, he noted the county has only a 90,000 population, but because of the services it offers, it actually serves over 220,000 people when Guelph is counted.
The region has about 550,000 people and he said it will offer “more challenge. I’m looking forward to it.”
The region has been looking for a chief financial officer since last fall.
