City of Linton welcomes back utility department chief

When Brent Slover walked into Linton City Hall on July 16 it was a homecoming of sorts.

After 22 years as the city's utilities superintendent he left in November 2010 to work for Hoosier Energy in Bloomington.

He returned earlier this month to what he calls his extended family.

Slover took over for Shawn Clifford, who resigned as utilities superintendent on June 11.

"Over a 22-year period you got to know your co-workers and they become like a family," Slover explained. "It's good to be back with familiar faces and relationships you've built.

"Those small things like that is what you miss when you're gone from it."

Before accepting the job he consulted his family -- wife Cheri, and sons Ryan and Evan.

"It's closer to home. My wife and I ... we were born in Linton, and we're all about Linton. We couldn't see fit to get away from that," Slover stressed.

"We've had to rely on family and friends to assist with the boys, taking them to different sporting events and practices."

Slover is still getting acclimated to what has been happening with Linton's utilities since he's been gone.

"I've just kind of been going through all the files and reacquainting myself with the policies and procedures," Slover said. "I've been away from it for a year and a half, so you kind of lose sight of some of the things.

"Things are going well. I wouldn't say back to normal, but I'm getting back into the swing of things."

Slover also is trying to get up to speed on two projects.

"We now have the two large projects we are involved in, the water (plant) and wastewater treatment plant improvements. That's going to be a challenge putting that together," Slover explained.

The city plans to build a new water plant, and the wastewater treatment plant will receive needed upgrades.

"I'm trying to get more involved with that. I need to meet with the engineers," Slover said.

Slover said another big thing he'll be keeping his eyes on is all the new environmental regulations for utility companies.

Slover said he's grateful to Linton Mayor John Wilkes for allowing him to return.

"I wasn't sure what the details were, but John called me up and told me the position became available," Slover said. "We got together and began discussing things, and one thing led to another."

Slover said he enjoyed his time with Hoosier Energy.

"My time with Hoosier Energy was rewarding. It allowed me the opportunity to gain a lot of experience," Slover stressed.

"I educated myself on the generation and power market side of the business. So I bring that back with me."

Chris is the general manager/editor of the Greene County Daily World. He can be reached by email at cpruett79@gmail.com or by telephone at 847-4487.