2 longtime Columbus City Hall employees retire

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Columbus City Hall and Mayor Mary Ferdon honored two of its longtime employees, Vickie Sneed and Fred Barnett, with retirement celebrations last Friday.

Facilities Department custodian Vickie Sneed, who is leaving after 18 years of service to the city, was joined at her retirement celebration by city officials, colleagues, and friends.

Sneed served the city through four different mayoral administrations. She expressed that the bonds she formed went far beyond typical workplace relationships and described everyone at City Hall as being like family. She plans to trade in her keys for quality time with her loved ones.

To mark the occasion, Columbus Mayor Mary Ferdon declared it Vickie Sneed Day in Columbus and read an official proclamation in her honor. The Mayor said, Vickie has been the heart and soul of City Hall for 18 years," said Columbus Mayor Mary Ferdon. "She didn't just take care of our building; she took care of all of us."

After a dozen years of service to the city of Columbus, Code Enforcement Officer Fred Barnett also said goodbye at his going-away party.

Barnett undertook some of the City's most challenging and sensitive community issues, including addressing complex homeless encampments, managing property maintenance problems, and enforcing city ordinances regarding agriculture.

He excelled at establishing a quick rapport with residents, turning potentially tense confrontations into constructive conversations. According to City officials, Barnett handled his job with heart.

Mary Mary Ferdon and the City of Columbus extended their "deepest gratitude to Vickie Sneed and Fred Barnett."