COEUR d'ALENE - Another administrator at the city of Coeur d'Alene announced his retirement on Wednesday.

"This is a tough business to go through. I haven't slept much lately," said Jon Ingalls, assistant city administrator, referring to his decision to retire. "I have a lot of mixed emotions, mixed feelings and trepidation.

"It really is kind of spooky."

Ingalls joins a host of other administrators who have recently retired, including the chief of police, the planning director, the human resources director and the parks director.

"There is kind of a change taking place at the city now, and I thought this would be a good time to retire," he said, referring to a new city council and all of the people who have retired.

Mayor-elect Steve Widmyer, who campaigned on a platform that he would review the city's employment structure for efficiencies when he is sworn in, said Wednesday it is too early to comment on that process.

"I want to get inside and really look at the structure before discussing any restructuring," Widmyer said. "But it certainly does give us some opportunities to look at."

He said Ingalls was a hard worker and will certainly be missed.

Ingalls, who grew up in Coeur d'Alene, has worked 14 years for the city.

"I spent six years as street superintendent, and eight years as the deputy administrator," he said. "Fourteen years in dog years would be 98 years, and sometimes it feels like I have been here for 98 years."

Before working for the city, Ingalls spent 21 years in the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps, where he managed facilities for major military bases all over the world.

He is going to miss the people he works with the most.

"I am proud to have had an opportunity to work for an organization with such great people," he said, adding the city has a very innovative workforce that excels in service delivery. "We've racked up more than our fair share of awards over these past 14 years."

Ingalls actually gave his formal notice to Administrator Wendy Gabriel in September, but held off announcing his retirement until after the election.

"I didn't want it to be a distraction," he said. "Now, I am excited to see this talented new slate of leaders step up."

Ingalls said he doesn't want to go out in some big fanfare, he simply wants to take some time to decompress and see where life takes him from there.

"I'll probably be semi-retired and find some part-time role down the road," he said. "I want to find something where pay is secondary, and meaning and purpose are the drivers."

Ingalls may even seek a position on one of the city's boards or commissions to stay active in the community.

"I would like to stay close," he said. "I hope to still be around a little bit."

His last day will be Dec. 20.