Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Orvis gets director job after Becker's retirement
David Orvis
DAVENPORT – Longtime director Rick Becker's retirement created some holes to fill at the Lincoln County Public Works Department. Ultimately, the county commissioners awarded Becker's job to David Orvis, a 14-year member of the department.
Orvis officially began his duties Tuesday, July 5.
"I'm trying to learn everything as soon as possible," Orvis, of Davenport, said. "Rick (Becker) left us in a good spot management and structure-wise."
Orvis's decision-making is aided by department veteran Dave Sanford of Harrington, who had his position combined into two positions: Engineering manager and maintenance superintendent.
The two Dave's are presently the top decision makers within the department, with Orvis as top dog and Sanford his right-hand man.
A county engineering position remains open, so some roles were shuffled until that position is filled.
"We moved some of the duties around while they're one short," commissioner Rob Coffman said.
The commissioners have the role of appointing the Public Works director.
Orvis was previously operations and permitting coordinator.
"I worked in the field for 11 years, then took the job as coordinator," Orvis said.
Chief amongst the job responsibilities for the public works director is working out the department's budget and figuring out where to commit resources for various projects countywide.
"Our goal is to continue on making sure the county is successful with their allowed budgets," Sanford said.
This year, Public Works crews are planning to continue work on Miles-Creston Road. Orvis said the department is hoping for federal funding to complete another countywide chip seal in 2023.
Orvis and Sanford presently oversee 54 employees and six temporary/seasonal workers.
Drew Lawson is the editor of the Davenport Times. He is a graduate of Eastern Washington University.
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