Although he misses climbing poles and doing field work, Greg Kuhn said he’s adjusting to his new role as manager of Oconto Falls Municipal Utilities.
OFMU is a locally owned and operated electric, water and waste water utility that serves more than 1,600 customers in Oconto Falls.
Kuhn, who started work on May 26, previously spent 12 years as a journeyman lineman for Hartford Municipal Utilities in Hartford, a city of 14,000 in southeast Wisconsin. Journeymen linemen build and maintain electrical power systems.
Kuhn also has experience with the water department and water treatment facility in Hartford. He is certified by the Department of Natural Resources to operate water treatment plants.
Kuhn said he feels he has a lot to offer Oconto Falls because of the training he received in Hartford.
Jim Kardoskee, president of the Oconto Falls Municipal Utilities Commission, agreed. He said Kuhn was hired because of his extensive background and years of line experience.
“We are always building for the future and were looking for someone who can grow with us,” Kardoskee said.
Kuhn is a good fit and the most qualified of those seeking the position, he added.
OFMU was under the direction of an interim manger for eight months, following the resignation of Chuck Grady on Oct. 7, 2014. Grady submitted his resignation after the city placed him on paid administrative leave Oct. 3 and initiated an investigation into an undisclosed issue.
As the new manager of OFMU, Kuhn will direct all aspects of the water, sewer and electrical utilities for the city, including budgeting, organization and personnel issues. He works with six full-time field workers and two office personnel.
Kuhn, who moved to the area from Hartford with his wife and two daughters, said he sees the benefits of being involved in a smaller, close knit community.
“Oconto Falls is a nice, quiet community. I like that,” he said.
