Michael Jordal and Jeremy Carolan have several similarities as Austin City Council members. They were both elected in 2012, both wanted to make sound fiscal decisions for the city and both are now looking forward to having more time with their families.

And both Carolan and Jordal served their final City Council meeting Monday night after they lost their bids for reelection, Jordal to Laura Helle and Carolan to Paul Fischer.

“It’s been a pleasure working with you both the last four years,” Council member Jeff Austin said.

The two joined the Council in 2012 looking to be connected in the community and to influence the decisions after following city politics and issues. Carolan said he wanted to “hopefully make things better for the citizens in Austin.”

Jordal and Carolan said they enjoyed their time on City Council and didn’t regret any of their votes or decisions made during their tenures. Both were pleased that council members are able to disagree on issues and still maintain a strong working relationship.

“There’s good discussion on things,” Jordal said. “I think it’s good when the council does have split votes.”

Carolan agreed.

“I think we could kid around with each other,” Carolan said. “Working with the council members I thought was great. We definitely didn’t always agree, but we weren’t rehashing issues. We would speak our peace and move on. I thought we worked very well together.”

While many of the votes are on routine business like budgets and annual business, Carolan said he’s passionate about certain issues, like the city being conservative with finances.

Jordal also wishes he could have worked more in the future on budgets, and he was pleased he was able to help lead some changes. Jordal said he sometimes thinks the city spends too freely, and he looked to reduce the burden of some arduous city rules.

Jordal was also proud of his attendance record at council meetings, noting he only missed twice when unforeseen situations arose.

Jordal grew up in Iowa and moved to Austin in 2004 to work at Robertson’s Specialty Co., now Old 218. He and his wife, Kate, have one son, Griffin, 3.

Jordal said he’d consider running again for public office sometime down the road and has already been approached by some people for seats. However, he plans to just focus on spending more time with family and friends for now.

“Right now, I’m just going to enjoy not doing that stuff,” he said. “… It’s going to be nice to have more time with family and friends.”

Carolan too plans to spend more time with his wife, Brytnie, and their four children, ages 7 and under, and he joked his son was happy to learn his dad wouldn’t be working on Monday nights.

“When I told my son I didn’t make it, he was excited because his Scouts is on Monday night, so he’s kind of glad that I’m able to take him to more scouting activities,” Carolan said.

Carolan grew up in Austin and is the broker/owner of Carolan Homes LLC and part-time firefighter for the city of Austin

Carolan urged the new or future council members to be engaged, study the issues and continue to be involved with constituents and not be afraid to ask questions.

“It’s a great opportunity to serve on City Council or boards,” Carolan said. “If you’ve ever thought of it, check into it. Check out the city website. .”

The council also recognized former Jay C. Hormel Nature Center Director/Naturalist Larry Dolphin and former street department worker Steve Clark for their retirements, both after many years with the city.