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Correction: In the published article, the Sun noted that Flynn had led $250,000 worth of work and renovations on Depot Street, Winn Avenue, and Lincoln Street. In fact, Flynn led $250,000 worth of improvements in one month to City Hall as well as work and renovations on Depot Street, Winn Avenue, and Lincoln Street. The Sun apologizes for the error. 

In the fall of 2020, Mike Flynn – former Director of Winchester Municipal Utilities – was hired full-time as City Manager after serving on an interim basis. 

Now, Winchester will be looking for an employee to step into the role. 

At the Winchester City Commission meeting on Tuesday, April 2, Flynn mentioned that he will be stepping down from the role after nearly four years of service. 

“It’s been a privilege to serve my community in the capacity as City Manager,” said Flynn. “I think it’s important for me at this time of my life to make a transition into a different role…as [the Commission] looks to bring someone else in as a City Manager.” 

Flynn, a lifelong Winchester resident who was employed by Winchester Municipal Utilities for 25 years, took on the role of City Manager in the midst of the COVID pandemic. 

Acknowledging that it was a challenging time period, Flynn was the unanimous choice for City Manager among a list of ten applicants after former City Manager Matt Belcher resigned in the summer of 2020. 

In his role, Flynn has overseen the daily operations of the city and its various departments. 

While doing so, tasks including the Main Street High Side Development, the FY 2024 Paving Program, repair of Town Branch, the Vaught Road Detention Basin in collaboration with Clark County Public Schools, different stormwater projects, the Jackson Street Rehabilitation Project, $250,000 worth of improvements to City Hall in one month, work and renovations on Depot Street, Winn Avenue, Lincoln Street and more have been accomplished. 

Upcoming will be a 7th Street Alternative Route Project. 

“That’s nearly a $5 million dollar project to alleviate potential truck traffic and open up the corridor [at] Exit 96,” Flynn said. “With improved traffic flow in that area, [there is] an opportunity for growth.” 

Flynn also acknowledged that making recommendations to the City Commission has led to actions helping various city employees.

“I talked to the Fire Chief just a week ago.” Flynn said. “For the first time in his time at the Fire Department, they’re fully staffed.” 

Flynn expressed gratitude for the work done with both the current and previous City Commission, which featured former Mayor Ed Burtner and City Commissioner Joe Chenault. 

Among others speaking of Flynn’s value to the community at Tuesday’s meeting were current Mayor and former City Commissioner JoEllen Reed and City Commissioner Kitty Strode. 

“You’ve been a blessing. You’ve been an asset to this city,” said Mayor Reed. “I want you to know that we will miss you in this capacity.” 

“If we hadn’t had Mike through all these projects with stormwater I don’t know what we would’ve done,” added Strode. “He is such an expert. He knew everybody we were working with. He gave us updates monthly. His reports were unbelievable, so we owe him a great deal of gratitude.” 

Flynn will continue to stay on during the budgetary cycle, and hopes to take on an advisory role in the future, ensuring future projects remain in good standing. 

While the lifelong Winchester resident doesn’t plan to leave town, Flynn  knows where some of his attention may be diverted toward. 

“I love being with my [two] grandkids,” he said. “I don’t want to miss opportunities for that.”