News Summary
Cayce City Manager Jim Crosland has announced his retirement effective August 8, 2025, following a brief tenure that began in December 2024. His departure highlights ongoing leadership changes within Cayce’s city government, which has faced instability with multiple recent resignations in key positions. Crosland, who has served the city since 2016, plans to assist in finding his successor before his departure, ensuring a smooth transition in leadership.
Cayce, South Carolina
City Manager Jim Crosland has announced his retirement, effective August 8, 2025, after less than a year in the position. His retirement marks another significant change within the leadership of Cayce’s city government, which has experienced considerable turnover in its key roles.
Crosland’s announcement was confirmed by several city sources and made public through a press release on Tuesday evening. His tenure as city manager commenced in December 2024, following his service as interim city manager beginning in July 2024. This was after the resignation of former city manager Tracy Hegler, who held the position for six years.
The city government has seen notable disruptions recently, including the departures of two police chiefs and two city managers since July of the previous year. Crosland, who has been employed with the City of Cayce since 2016, has over 20 years of experience in public service. He worked in various law enforcement roles prior to his appointment, including canine officer, narcotics detective, patrol sergeant, and police instructor.
As city manager, Crosland received an annual salary of $160,000. In his statement regarding his retirement, he expressed pride in the achievements made during his tenure, particularly in the realms of economic development and fostering community partnerships. Mayor Elise Partin acknowledged his love for the city, noting his dedication to his role. Councilman Hunter Sox described Crosland as a “true servant leader,” recognizing his contributions and legacy during his time in office.
Leadership Changes in Cayce
This year has posed challenges for Cayce’s city leadership, which included the abrupt resignation of police chief Herbert Blake just two months after being appointed. Blake’s exit came as a result of employee concerns regarding his management style, leading to further instability within the police department. Following Blake’s resignation, Bruce Wade, former assistant police chief of West Columbia, was appointed as the new police chief in March 2025.
Crosland is expected to assist the city in identifying his successor as part of his final responsibilities, ensuring that the incoming leadership meets the city’s needs moving forward. This transition occurs during a period marked by high-profile departures, including the earlier resignations of police chiefs Chris Cowan and Tracy Hegler.
Background Information
Crosland’s association with Cayce began in 2016, where he has been involved in various roles that culminated in his appointment as the city manager. His background in law enforcement equipped him with a diverse skill set, instrumental in addressing community safety and public administration. The city is now tasked with finding suitable candidates to fill key roles and stabilize the government structure.
The ongoing leadership changes reflect a critical period for Cayce, emphasizing the need for consistent governance and effective management in addressing community challenges. As Crosland prepares for retirement, the city looks ahead to a future filled with possibilities as it seeks to solidify its leadership team.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV
- Wikipedia: Cayce, South Carolina
- WLTX
- Google Search: Cayce city manager
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- WACH
- Google News: Cayce city leadership
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