From the FBI to City Hall: Thomas Relford's Mission to Transform Bolivar

After a decorated career with the FBI, Thomas Relford wasn’t planning a return to the workforce. But when the opportunity to serve as city administrator for Bolivar came along, it reignited his passion for service.

“I missed being part of something bigger like tackling challenges, bringing people together, solving problems,” Relford says. “If I hadn’t gone into law enforcement, city administration might’ve been my career path all along.”

He stepped into the role in fall 2023 and was immediately faced with serious challenges: a $700,000 budget shortfall, high staff turnover and under-resourced public safety departments. Bolivar operates without property or utility taxes, relying on sales tax—a structure that leaves little margin for error. Relford moved quickly to stabilize operations and rebuild internal culture. He addressed pay and staffing concerns, launched an Employee Advisory Committee and introduced structured communication. “We’re building a culture where people know their work matters,” he says. Externally, his administration focused on transparency and public trust through a redesigned website, improved communication tools and expanded community engagement. The most visible milestone came in April 2024, when voters passed Proposition Public Safety—a ¾-cent sales tax dedicated to funding police and fire services.

“Proposition Public Safety has been a game changer for us,” Relford says. “It allows us to almost fully fund our police and fire department budgets and make necessary changes and improvements for the future.”

The success stemmed from collaboration. A Citizens Commission reviewed the city’s budget and recommended the measure. Backed by a strategic outreach campaign, the initiative earned broad community support. The results have been swift: new hires, upgraded equipment, improved morale and better interdepartmental coordination. Meanwhile, quality-of-life projects are gaining traction, including sidewalk expansions, a solar array and Bolivar’s first inclusive playground. “Success doesn’t happen overnight,” Relford says. “But we’re building momentum—and we’re doing it together.”