Lilholt announces fall retirement

MONTICELLO, NY — After some 33 years of continuous service Peter Lilholt, commissioner of the Sullivan County Division of Public Works handed in his retirement papers last week, announcing he would be leaving office on October 31.

Lilholt, who succeeded Roger Wehr as commissioner in 1994, said he is looking forward to pursuing other interests and spending more time with his family.

At age 56, Lilholt said his pension status also influenced the decision. As a former Highland councilman, his salary was credited with earnings toward his retirement and now having left the town, he has passed his highest earning years. “So in effect, my retirement [payment] decreases with every additional year I work,” he said.

Phillip Nicoletti is the division’s deputy commissioner and would take over upon Lilholt’s departure.

In the rushed activity surrounding last week’s flooding in Mamakating, County Manager Dan Briggs said he had not really discussed Lilholt’s decision with him.

Legislative Chair Chris Cunningham said Lilholt came to him and said he had made the decision. “I assume that some time in the future we’ll do a search for a replacement.”