Credited with turning around the troubled council's finances after taking over a listing ship, Bill Hender will be "sorely missed" when he retires in about six-eight weeks.

Over his four year term as the Robe District Council CEO, Mr Hender has seen the completion of many projects, including reconstruction of several rural and town roads, the Robe St playground and most recently, securing funding for the CWMS upgrade.

His greatest achievement would be reducing the council debt by $3.546 million (as at June 2011).

Coming off the land, Bill Hender began his four-year term as CEO in November, 2007.

"I had previously been a farmer in Keith for most of my working life," Mr Hender said.

"Filling the role of CEO was a big change for me with no prior experience in administration.

"It has been a steep learning curve but all in good fun."

Mr Hender's four-year contract will expire this week, however he will continue his role at council for another month.

"I have seen the contract out and finished my term," Mr Hender said.

"I will assist council with the transition to the new regime.

"Now we will go through the recruitment process for a new CEO. Council has asked me to get some proposals put together for them."

Mr Hender's decision to decline a contract renewal was due to family reasons.