Washington C.H. City Manager Joe Denen’s contract was renewed for a three-year period by a 5-2 vote at Monday’s city council meeting.

Denen, who is the longest-tenured city manager in the history of Washington C.H., has been in this position since Oct. 1, 2003. “I do this because of the people I work with here and care about,” said Denen. “For this city and all of the folks in the community that honestly care about this place….that’s why I do this.”

Kim Bonnell and Leah Foster were the two council members who voted against the ordinance, which passed its third reading. Both Bonnell and Foster said their objection to the ordinance was based on the length of the contract.

When asked about what’s on his upcoming agenda in relation to city business, Denen said he would have a better idea once the city council reorganizes on Jan. 6. Ben Roby, council chairman, and Steve Jennings, who both served on the council for 12 years, will no longer serve on council. The council will now consist of two newcomers, Trent Dye and Kendra Redd-Hernandez, as well as Bonnell, Foster, Jim Chrisman, Dale Lynch and Ted Hawk.

Denen spoke highly of the two outgoing council members.

“I always thought that (Jennings) ran for council because of the relationships he had with the people in the city and how much they meant to him,” said Denen. “His service will always mean a tremendous amount to us.”

“Some people like (Roby) choose an occupation so that they can spend a lifetime of service to their fellow citizens and then when they retire, they continue to give of themselves,” Denen said. “Some people, like Ben, give a great amount of themselves to all of us.”

In other business at Monday’s meeting, an ordinance to make appropriations for current expenses and other expenditures of the City of Washington C.H. during the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2016 was approved unanimously.