Bill Nicklas said he believed his greatest achievement was how much the community had grown during his time as Sycamore city manager during a reception on Friday.

Nicklas is leaving his post to work for NIU as the associate vice president for institutional planning and sustainability.

Nicklas received awards from several city departments, as well as kind words from several city officials during the Friday reception.

“He’s leaving after 13 years,” said Sycamore Police Chief Donald Thomas. “During that time, he was making most of the city’s decisions. We’re taking this time to say goodbye.”

City officials spoke highly of Nicklas’ time as city manager.

“When he took over, the city had little money and many problems,” Thomas said. “He leaves behind fiscal soundness and a great team with a legacy of a great work ethic.”

Some officials seemed very certain of the future of the city.

“The city is in very good hands,” said Sycamore Fire Chief Mark Kessler. “Bill built a strong foundation.”

Nicklas himself gives the credit to the city of Sycamore.

“Everything I’ve done I owe to the Sycamore government,” Nicklas said. “They gave me the opportunity to do it.”

Nicklas made many changes during his time as city manager. He helped make many improvements to city buildings, including an improved police department, a new fire station and a new public works building. He also refurbished a historic building into the new city hall.

Additionally, Nicklas helped to improve the city’s finances.

According to a Proclamation by Sycamore Mayor Ken Mundy, under the management of Nicklas, Sycamore’s economic ratings are improved and the city saw its reserves go from $400,000 to more than $4 million.

He also helped to renovate the downtown Sycamore area.

According to Mundy’s Proclamation, the downtown area received new streets, lights, curbs, sidewalks and many other improvements while Nicklas was managing the city.

“We’ve grown so much in my time here,” Nicklas said. “And there’s been growing pains. But we’ve grown with plans sensitive to the opinions of everyone, grown with integrity and with public support.”