(LINO LAKES) – At his annual performance review earlier this year, Lino Lakes City Administrator Jeff Karlson notified council members he planned to retire in 2020. He also put in a good word at that meeting about a plan for his successor. At the city council meeting on August 12, Karlson and council officially put their confidence behind Finance Director Sarah Cotton to take over for him.
In a uninanimous 5-0 vote, council passed a resolution to extend a conditional offer for Cotton to replace Karlson.
“Sarah possesses all of the qualities needed for this position,” said Karlson. “The management team has had the chance to work with Sarah for four years and have been impressed with her professionalism, positive energy, and enthusiasm.”
Cotton will soon complete her Master’s in Public Administration at Hamline University.
“When Sarah came on board, she was just a breath of fresh air,” said Mayor Jeff Reinert at the council meeting. “I can’t say enough about her and I’m happy to work with her.”
Karlson has not set an official date for his retirement.
