After 14 years of helping to guide the city of Ball Ground, Ashley Holcomb has stepped down from public service.

Holcomb's time on the city council came to a close at the end of the council's Tuesday meeting.

"I'm going to turn my focus to other priorities," he said about his decision to step down. He will spend more time on work and his family, which includes his wife, Jenny, and their five children. He owns the land surveying and land planning company Landmarx.

"They are getting to the age where they want to throw a ball and go to the creek," he said about his children.

Holcomb, who also served on the Cherokee County Planning Commission, credits his parents, Coy and Ernestine, with instilling in him the value of public service. He said his time on the council was "a phenomenal time to be part of the city."

While on the council, Holcomb, 36, was part of the effort to bring a post office and a new school to the city and the downtown streetscapes project.

Another proud achievement was the installation of the city's sewer system, which he described as the "largest undertaking" of his time on the council.

"(The sewer system) sets in motion other opportunities in the future," he said.

Mayor Rick Roberts praised Holcomb for his technical expertise and knowledge on projects undertaken by the city.

"He has been a big help to us when making decisions," he said, calling Holcomb one of his "young friends."

"He definitely has a passion for the city," Roberts said, adding that the council has benefited from his youthful energy.

Councilwoman Andi Stoner said she hates to see Holcomb leave the council, but understands his decision.

"He had great insight to the city and had a vision," she said. "He worked hard on achieving that vision for the city."

Even though he has stepped down from the council, Holcomb said he will keep tabs on what goes on in the city, adding he will miss being involved with the operation of Ball Ground.

"It will be hard for me to ignore what is going on with the city," he said.