City attorney plans to retire Dec. 31

Longtime city of Perryville attorney Tom Ludwig announced his decision to retire at the conclusion of 2021. Ludwig notified the Board of Aldermen and others in attendance at Tuesday’s meeting via a letter and also provided public comments on his intent to step down.
“On December 31, the end of this year, I’m going to do my best to retire from the practice of law, I understand that stopping a law practice is not like putting your foot on brake of a car, where it doesn’t just stop, it’s like stopping a cruise liner, and I may run into the dock, or whatever, but I’m going to attempt to stop practicing on December 31.”
Ludwig is willing to assistance the city as it seeks to find its next legal representative.
“I will be available to Perryville as long as you need me,” Ludwig said.
He was appointed to serve as assistant city attorney in 1977 and has served as the city’s attorney since 2001.
“For parts of six decades, Tom Ludwig has served the city of Perryville and its residents as our city attorney,” Perryville city administrator Brent Buerck said. “He is well respected locally and held in high esteem by his peers around the state. Tom’s wisdom and guidance will certainly be missed.”

Buerck said the city will start taking steps toward finding a replacement soon.
“We will begin to piece together a plan for the aldermen to consider,” Buerck said. “Tom is graciously giving us until the end of the year to figure out our best solution. The city has prior and existing relationships with several other firms and we will be in good hands.”
Ludwig has been licensed attorney in the state of Missouri since 1977 and the state of Illinois since 1984.
“I have such great memories of working with so many great people,” Ludwig said. “I can’t say enough good things about being able to work for you guys.”
After finishing his comments, he was given a round of applause prior to shaking hands with the aldermen and other city officials.
Since 2001, he served with three mayors and 14 aldermen.