DeGraff Village Administrator Ken McAlexander was recently named Water Operator of the Year by the Ohio Rural Water Association for his work on upgrades to the village’s water treatment plant.
McAlexander, who became Village Administrator in early 2020, began his career with the village in 1995 and left in 2012 to pursue a position in Sidney. After the then-Administrator resigned on short notice, the mayor called him and asked if he would return to the village as Administrator.
His responsibilities include overseeing the entire water distribution and wastewater systems, meters, utility billing, and serving as backup operator for the sewage plant. He also oversees the village roadways and storm drains and works closely with the Village Fiscal Officer on budgeting.
He believes he received the award mainly for his work on the water treatment plant upgrades that were underway when he started in 2020. He recalled that the only thing needed for the work to proceed was his signature on the order to proceed, which the village council had authorized.
He said he refused to sign the order until he could fully review the plans. After his two-week review, he scrapped the plan and presented the council with changes that ultimately saved the village about $1.4 million.
Although village residents often complain about current water rates, McAlexander believes residents would pay much more if the village had implemented the original plan.
McAlexander has several years of operator training and holds Ohio Class Three certifications in Water and Wastewater operation, which allow him to work anywhere in the state. He also points to 34 years of experience in the water and wastewater field.
McAlexander recognizes he is nearing the end of his public service career, but he enjoys sharing his experience with younger village employees.
McAlexander said he is proud to have received the award, but the real winners are the residents of DeGraff and Quincy:
