LITTLE VALLEY — In his final Cattaraugus County Legislature meeting, just days before his retirement, administrator John R. “Jack” Searles was honored for his nearly 46 years of service in the county.

Searles, wrapping up his 22nd year as administrator, is only the second person to hold the post, being sworn in in 2003. He served as deputy administrator under his predecessor, Donald Furman, and before that was director of the Department of Aging.

Legislature Chairman M. Andrew Burr thanked Searles for his many years of dedicated service to the county and its residents and taxpayers.

“Unlike the state of New York, I don’t think Jack has ever had a budget that wasn’t on time or ahead of schedule,” he said. “And since the property tax cap was passed in New York state … Jack has never proposed a budget — nor, to my knowledge, has the legislature ever passed a budget — that exceeded the property tax cap.”

Cattaraugus County Administrator John M. “Jack” Searles (center) is presented with a resolution from Legislature Chairman M. Andrew Burr for his nearly 46 years of service. Searles’s wife, Kathy, stands at his right. (Kellen Quigley/Olean Times Herald)

Burr said Searles’s managing of the county and its numerous departments and services with continuous fiscal responsibility was to be commended. He said the county’s overall tax rate in 2003 was $11.62 per $1,000 of assessed value, and 22 years later, the rate is at $8.29.

Meanwhile, the county’s capital plan, which goes to infrastructure projects such as roads and bridges, rose from just under $10 million in 2008 to just under $20 million last year — nearly doubling the output while keeping the tax increases low, Burr said.

“As far as taxes and spending goes, Jack has probably achieved some of the best results in the entire state of New York, and we are eternally grateful to his conservative, thoughtful approach to managing county finances and departments,” he added.

As one of the younger legislators in the chambers during Searles’s tenure, Vice Chair Mike Brisky thanked the administrator for his wisdom and patience with “folks who may have too much energy on their hands.” He said Searles taught him a lot — more than he could list during Wednesday’s meeting.

“You probably never in a million years thought I’d say this six or 10 years ago, but I’m most proud to call you a friend, you and (Searles’s wife) Kathy,” Brisky added.

Majority Whip Kelly Andreano said Searles has not only been the anchor of the county but also its captain. During his entire career, he has guided the ship through many storms, Andreano said, but she hoped he saw plenty of sunny days as well.

“I believe there was a reason you were put here and a reason you and Kathy stayed in the area and you went to St. Bonaventure and built your sense of community here with your friends and raised your family here,” she said.

Legislators Don Benson, Richard Helmich, Ginger Schroder, Steve Teachman and Richard Smith also congratulated Searles on his retirement.

Searles thanked everyone for their kind words and well-wishes, but said that everything that happens in the county is a team effort. He said everything that was said about him happens because of the legislature, the department heads and all their staff working together.

“Those accolades, while you’ve given them to me and I truly appreciate them from the bottom of my heart, the fact of the matter is, it’s really a representation of the family, if you will, of Cattaraugus County pulling together,” Searles said. “And I see that continuing with the team we have coming on board in my position.”

Kelly Reed, deputy administrator for the county, has been selected as the next administrator, officially starting Sunday, following legislative approval in May. With the term ending Sept. 13, 2027, Reed will also continue to perform the duties and responsibilities of the director of the Department of Nursing Homes.

Additionally, deputy personnel officer Kristine Phinney was appointed as personnel officer effective Sunday to fill Searles’s unexpired term.

“We have great things ahead of us. We’ll always have challenges, but you also have to take and enjoy those wonderful opportunities that come and shine some light,” he said. “Thank you so much for the opportunity that has been afforded to me to work here in this wonderful place.”

Searles was presented with a resolution passed by the legislature that honors him for all his achievements during his career, a plaque of appreciation for his career and a framed photograph of Theodore Roosevelt, one of Searles’s favorite historical figures.