After 32 years with the company, Austin Utilities General Manager Jerry McCarthy will be retiring at the end of 2010.

McCarthy, who is entering his 11th year as general manager, said he simply wants to spend more time with family in the area. He will present a letter of retirement to the utilities board Tuesday afternoon.

“I’m old,” the soon-to-be-62-year-old joked. “It’s time for me to look at other opportunities.”

McCarthy said he has eight grandchildren that he wants to see more. He is also an avid golfer and plans to hit the links often in his retirement.

McCarthy said he plans on living in Austin, where he was born and raised, once he retires, though he said he could sneak away for a few winter months.

The longtime employee, who was instrumental in getting power back to Austin after last June’s tornado, said he made his way through the ranks at Austin Utilities.

“When I started 32 years ago, I was the lowest paid employee,” McCarthy said. “I’ve had a lot of different positions. It’s been an enjoyable job in a good community.”