Jasper may have a new city manager, but he’s an old friend to most Hamilton County residents. Larry Cail was chosen as city manager and took over the office on April 30. Since then, he has jumped right in looking for ways to ensure the city of Jasper remains financially strong and continues to prosper through future growth.

Since moving to Jasper in 1973 from the Ocala area, Larry and his wife Mary B. have raised their two daughters here and are happy to call Hamilton County home.

During the summer of 1973, Cail purchased the NAPA Store and remained a friendly and recognized face there until 1987, when he began working for Standard Motor Company as a sales representative. In 1999, he moved to CarQuest Corporation and remained with them until the company downsized in 2008.

At that point Cail was given the choice to remain with them and relocate or leave the company. He chose to remain in the town he loved.

While the position of city manager is a new one to him, the workings of the Jasper City Council are not. He served as a councilman during the late 1980s and early 1990s, finally surrendering that position, as his work with Standard Motor kept him traveling and he would have preferred to give more time toward the representation of Jasper business.

Leaving city government was not the only thing Cail gave up with his on-the-road job. An avid member of the Hamilton County Riding Club for more than 20 years and the Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, he has served the residents of Jasper and Hamilton County is numerous capacities.

“I am truly enjoying my job at City Hall,” says Cail. “We really have a great group of people working for our City. Harry Davis always gives 110 percent, Police Chief Jeff McGuire and his force know the law and are concerned about law enforcement issues in the City without being overly aggressive. John Paul does an excellent job mowing City Park and always gives more than 100 percent to keeping Jasper looking sharp. Frankie Hunter is very motivated in community clean-up and always willing to help. Billie Harvey and Ben Tucker both do excellent jobs. Gerald Allen manages to always get the job done picking up the roadside trash. Tyrone White enthusiastically meets the needs of the city. In the finance department, Margaret Harper ensures there is a true need for every dollar spent to preserve and protect finances for the city. Vicky Hampton and Ruthetta Mitchell take care of making sure everybody’s well greeted and taken care of when they come into the office, often going above and beyond in their duties to assist the public. Jennifer Pomeroy is a very knowledgeable city clerk and is great with city public relations.”

“I also would like to praise our city council members,” Cail continued. “They are working hard toward meeting the challenges facing our city.”