Steamboat Springs — Hayden Town Manager David Torgler is headed west to a milder climate and a new job as city manager for the city of Delta.

He will begin his new position Jan. 25.

“I’m glad for him, and I’m sorry for the town,” Mayor Jim Haskins said.

Torgler has been the town’s manager for the past five years. Outside work, he and his wife, Carmen, have enjoyed being part of the town’s religious community and the Lion’s Club.

“We’ve enjoyed the opportunities here in Hayden,” Torgler said.

Torgler said the new job was an opportunity for him to advance his career. The city has a population of about 9,000.

Before coming to Hayden, Torgler worked in communities similar in size to Delta.

“It is the type of community we are familiar with living in and enjoy,” Torgler said.

During his tenure, the town was finally able to build a new water tank near the airport. Improvement’s also were made at the sewer plant.

Haskins said that, five years ago, the town was in a much different situation, and he was even surprised Torgler took the job.

“If people remember where we were when we hired him, where we are now is completely different,” Haskins said.

Haskins said Torgler was instrumental in hiring new town staff members, including a new police chief.

“We’ve got good people now,” Haskins said.

Torgler said one of the biggest challenges facing the town’s new manager will be helping the town council find solutions to the town’s economic challenges.

Haskins said the town will begin looking for a recruiter to help find a new town manager. They hope to have the new manager working in five to six months.

Hayden police Chief Greg Tuliszewski was selected to serve as interim town manager.

To reach Matt Stensland, call 970-871-4247, email mstensland@SteamboatToday.com or follow him on Twitter @SBTStensland