NORWICH – In an unexpected move, Richard W. Breslin will retire Dec. 30 after a 21-year career as counsel for Chenango County.

The 62-year-old made his resignation known to fellow Republicans at caucus at the end of last month, however many of those attending the Chenango County Board of Supervisors’ final meeting for 2011 yesterday were unaware of the news. Breslin did not attend the meeting where Clerk of the Board RC Woodford read a prepared statement from him.

Assistant County Attorney Leonard “Bill” Smith said he found out sometime last week that he would be standing in for Breslin at Monday’s meeting.

Breslin will have completed a 10th, 2-year term in office, though Woodford said he began his long career in county government as an advocate for the social services department back in the 1970s. He could not be reached for comment.

Chenango County Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Richard B. Decker took the opportunity to thank Breslin for his many years of service.

“I’d like you all to know that even though we’ve had some tough times, his decisions were always made in the best interests of this county,” said Decker. The board chairman did not elaborate.