The Connector - Spring 2008 - (Page 23)

RWAU Spring 2008 How Important are our Public Works People? Curtis Ludvigson, Management Technician R ecently I’ve had conversations with some folks who have reminded me of how easy it is to forget how important our public works people, our system operators, etc. are to the well-being of our communities. I hope what I’m going to say in this article will cause you to reflect on this issue, and if you are an elected official or a manager, I hope you will consider or re-consider how you feel about these important people and how you treat them. First of all, let’s consider what our public works professionals do for us. I’ll only be able to mention a few things, but hopefully enough for you to realize what I’m talking about. With regard to the water system, they keep it running. That is the long and the short of it. They make sure the water is safe to drink. They take care of the springs and wells from which the water comes. They maintain the tanks, pumps, pipes, valves, hydrants, pressure stations, chlorinators, etc. They make sure you are in compliance with all the State and EPA rules, and much of the time, they are the only ones in town who know what those rules are. Also, they are likely the only ones in town who know where the different types of infrastructure are. For example, if you are a mayor or a board member, do you know where the valves or pressure stations are for your water system? If you are in a very small community, maybe you are both an elected official and the operator. If that is the case, I tip my hat to you. I’ve been there, and, yes, you would know what I’m talking about. Many times these employees also maintain and operate a sewer system which also comes with its own package of technical issues, dealing with infrastructure and all sorts of various problems. They also have many rules and regulations they must meet and follow, again, keeping in compliance with both State and EPA rules. Quite often these very same people are expected to take care of parks, cemeteries, streets, dog catching, holiday celebrations and whatever else someone decides to put on them. My point is, don’t underestimate the value of these employees. Treat them with respect. Value their opinions. Include them in decisions you need to make. It’s amazing how far a pat-on-the-back, a compliment, a little praise, or maybe even an award will go to make a good employee even better. Consider that! I know a public works employee who I consider a good friend and who I know does a good job. He has worked for his city for about 30 years now and he feels sure the mayor and council are trying to “get rid of him.” This is sad in two ways. One is if they really are trying to “get rid of him” after all these years of loyalty and good work, and the other is if they really aren’t trying to “get rid of him” but they are so lacking in the showing of appreciation that it causes him to feel like he does. How sad it would be if this city lost this good employee! It’s refreshing to talk to a mayor who really values his employees and hopes the city will be able to pay them enough and treat them good enough 23 that they don’t go looking elsewhere for a job. This leads me into another area along this same topic. I thought of this as I heard Rodney Tart, President of the National Rural Water Association, speak to us at the Voting Membership Meeting of the Annual Conference held last week in St. George. I won’t be able to quote him exactly, but he spoke of the need to encourage younger folks to join us in the water and wastewater industry. What a tragedy it would be if no one in the next generation decided they wanted to do this type of work. Folks, these types of jobs truly are professions. They aren’t just simple, “anybody can do it” types of jobs. So in your positions as elected officials or managers, I hope you will consider this: Treat your employees like they deserve to be treated. Further, I hope that you will seriously consider as you prepare your budgets how you are going to pay them enough to keep them. Remember, cheap labor isn’t always cheap when you consider all you have invested in the employees you already have. Remember their experience, their skills and their training. Good Luck and Happy Trails! The Connector

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of The Connector - Spring 2008

The Connector - Spring 2008 Table of Contents President's Message Executive Director's Comments Letters From Readers Legislative Update RWAU Board and Staff Rural Water News Bees on the Pipeline, Jim Watts How Important are our Public Works People? Curtis Ludvigson A "What" Protection Plan? Erin Borger Meter Reading by Radio Communication, Terry Smith Advanced Distribution, Chuck Jeffs Where in Utah?

The Connector - Spring 2008

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