Public Works Chief Retires After 33 Years

Public Works Director Wayne Osborne, who helped make sure residents got their water and had places to exercise, will retire after 33 years with the city.

During his tenure, Osborne oversaw development of the city’s water system, implementing a master plan for the program in 1974 and revising it in 1979.

“I think our water supply system is one of the best in Orange County,” Osborne, 62, said. “We can obtain 100% of our water from wells if we want to.”

Osborne also oversaw construction of the city’s drainage system and development of the recreation center at Mile Square Regional Park.

He was hired by the city in 1964 as an engineer and promoted to public works director in 1979.

Osborne plans to spend the first year of his retirement driving across the United States. After that, he plans to visit Ireland and Scotland.

“It’s time to go and enjoy myself,” he said.

A successor has not been selected. The City Council is considering eight candidates selected from 40 applications.

Osborne and his staff were honored at a recent City Council meeting during a salute to national Public Works Week, May 16-23.