City centre co-ordinator Kari Graber resigned from her position last week, and the future of the position remains uncertain.
As city centre co-ordinator, Ms Graber acted as a liaison between retailers and the council, as well as organising and promoting events in the city centre.
Stirling Sports co-owner Ken Anderson said Ms Graber’s role was "vital" to retailers during the approaching redevelopment.
"It’s going to be bloody hard retailing down here in the next wee while, with so much disruption, and we’ve actually got the opportunity to make it something cool and Kari’s position is vital to doing that.
"She created events like Halloween days, the market days and the Matariki days, these cool events where people actually want to be in town and it makes it more vibrant."
The role, established in 2016, was funded by an extra charge added to the rates of retailers in the city centre.
It was reported in 2016 an average levy of $3.02 per week, or $156.86 per year, would be added to the rates of more than 400 businesses and retailers in the city centre to fund the role.
Council chief executive Clare Hadley said it was "not appropriate" to provide details of staff who resigned, and would not comment on matters relating to an individual employee for "privacy reasons".
The future of the role had "not been considered", she said.
"We will review the value of the role and the contribution of CBD-based festivals."
Despite the future of the role being uncertain, the rate charged to retailers would continue to be collected.
"While this rate continues to be collected, the money will be ring-fenced for this purpose."
- Sharon Reece
