Susanville Mayor Mendy Schuster read a proclamation at Wednesday evening’s City Council meeting, honoring retiring Water Supervisor Russ Brown. Brown has worked for the city’s Public Works department for more than three decades and has served as Water Supervisor since 2008.
He began his career with the city in 1987 when he was hired as a street department employee assigned to work on the repair and maintenance of city streets. In 1992, Brown transferred to the Public Works’ Water Department as a maintenance worker and promoted through the ranks to Water Supervisor.
According to Mayor Schuster, Brown has proven to be a natural leader with exemplary mechanical skills and extensive knowledge of Susanville’s municipal water system.
“Brown has been an extremely important part of the Public Works department over the past 34-years by ensuring that the city’s water system was secure and safe from contaminants, ensuring the wells, pumps and spring sites remained operational, facilitated the maintenance of the storage tanks and numerous leak repairs, participated in long and short range planning for the water system, trained and developed other city employees and many other duties necessary to support the city’s public works operations and infrastructure.”
Schuster also pointed out that Brown has been extremely efficient and cost effective in his work managing the water system, which helps keep rates affordable for city customers.
“Brown has dedicated his career to serving the residents of Susanville and has done so with integrity, devotion, and pride,” Schuster and the Council wrote in the proclamation. “Russell kept the water system safe, made many improvements and has been a strong example to the Public Works staff.”
“Brown’s retirement from the city of Susanville is well earned, his service over the years has been invaluable to our community and, although he will be severely missed, the City Council wishes him the best of luck in his retirement.”