The end of an era: City Administrator Tryban retires after 25 years

At his retirement party Thursday, Dec. 17, City Administrator Charles Tryban, center, shakes hands with Tom Ryburn. Also pictured: Raymond Coslet of Marshall Fire Department.
(Sydney Stonner/Democrat-News)

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At the Marshall City Council meeting Monday, Dec. 7, Tryban announced his retirement, after 25 years working for the city.

"It's been a wonderful 25 years," Tryban told the council. "Really, it's been very enjoyable."

He declined to be interviewed for this article, preferring rather to end his employment in a quiet manner.

Tryban did attend a reception in his honor, held by the city Thursday, Dec. 17. Before the eating and mingling began, Saline County Prosecuting Attorney Don Stouffer, who also provides legal services to the city council, spoke about Tryban.

His remarks were filled with dry humor and a lengthy account of one long bicycling trip that he and Tryban took with their wives.

On a serious note, Stouffer said Tryban is "one of the closest friends I have. I'll miss him."

Another reason to miss Tryban, Stouffer joked, is that "he's the only guy I work with who's shorter than me."

Marshall Municipal Band Director Kevin Lines said he has also appreciated working with Tryban, who not only interacts with the band through city contracts but also as its business manager.

"Since I've been directing the Marshall Municipal Band, the support Charlie has given has been absolutely invaluable," Lines said.

Lines said Tryban has helped secure the band a permanent rehearsal space -- in the basement of the municipal court building -- and helped in the transition from park concerts to performances on the Marshall square.

Despite retirement, Tryban will continue to be the band's manager, at least for the next year, Lines said.

Marshall Mayor Connie Latimer has worked closely with Tryban throughout her tenure as a public official. She said that, because of his lengthy career with the city, Tryban's legacy is hard to pin down.

"Charlie has done so many things for the city of Marshall during his employment tenure," she said. "He has worked diligently to maintain the fiscal soundness that carries us through the rough times ... he has seen through to completion many, many projects all the while listening to complaints from the public and finding answers to the problems that are brought to his attention."

Latimer said Tryban is not just her colleague, though, and she will miss his companionship in the office.

"Being a city official, whether elected, appointed or hired, is a world of its own sometimes," she said. "It's good to have someone who shares that world to talk to, someone that you trust and confide in. Charlie and I are extremely close and I treasure his friendship."

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net

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