Halifax CAO Dan English retires

The chief administrative officer with the Halifax Regional Municipality has retired.

Dan English is moving on after five years in the job.

"It is with mixed emotions that I share this news as I have thoroughly enjoyed the last five years as CAO of Halifax Regional Municipality," he wrote in an email to his colleagues, and released to the media.

"My time as CAO has been amongst the most meaningful years of my career. I have been privileged to serve the residents of our community and to have been a part of many important initiatives that have shaped our region."

English did not say what he plans do next.

"I look forward to continuing to support and advocate for the growth of our city in my future undertakings," he wrote.

English quit in the middle of a job performance review by a committee of council. His contract was due to expire in November.

Three months ago, English made news when he accused regional councillors of not respecting staff during budget talks.

In April, Mayor Peter Kelly warned that some staff could lose their jobs as council grappled with a $30-million budget shorfall.

That prompted the angry response from English.

"I deserve better, my team deserves better, this organization deserves better," he said.

Council was able to resolve its budget problems without laying off any staff.