Buckenmeyer to retire at year’s end

After more than 17 years serving the City of Anacortes Public Works Director Fred Buckenmeyer has announced he will retire. Buckenmeyer, who began working for the City in September 2004, leads a group of 75 professionals and oversees the following divisions: Wastewater, Water Treatment Plant System and Water Distribution, Engineering Services, Facilities, GIS and asset management, Operations (street, solid waste, and fleet), and Resource Conservation. Buckenmeyer said, “After nearly 40 years of public service, it is time for me to let someone else enjoy this job as much as I do. The City of Anacortes is absolutely the best place I have ever worked and serving as your Public Works Director has been the most rewarding job I have ever had.” Buckenmeyer will remain with the city until his successor is named, likely after the first of the year. (Photo: Buckenmeyer (right) at 2013 opening of new water treatment plant in Mount Vernon. Sharing a moment in the spotlight with contract lead Brandt Barnes.)