Berkich to continue regional work

One of the most important accomplishments for outgoing Carson City Manager John Berkich, he said, was watching Carson gain an appreciation for the need to build a sustainable community.

For the past 12 years, Berkich had a front-row seat as the city made efforts to develop a strong economy, protect natural resources and build a high quality of life, he said.

"I think we, as a community, have made great strides in that effort," Berkich said.

In 1996, Carson voters approved a Quality of Life initiative that raises money through a quarter-cent sales tax to pay for purchasing open space, and developing parks and trails.

"It was a real watershed moment in history," Berkich said.

Also under Berkich's management, the city was the first public entity to receive the Governor's Award for Performance Excellence.

Berkich, the father of three and stepfather of two, will remain with his family in Carson City. Before taking the Carson City job in 1990, Berkich worked as the audit manager for the State of Nevada Public Service Commission.

He said he will miss working with staff in Carson.

"I'll miss our team," Berkich said Friday. "I think we have one of the finest teams in government."

"It's the people we work with and the people we work for," he said.

Berkich departs Carson and its 54,000 residents where he was responsible for a $101 million budget, 900 full- and part-time employees and 16 department heads.