Bachman to retire as county engineer

Tuscarawas County engineer Joe Bachman will retire from office effective Sept. 30. Bachman has served as county engineer since January 1989.

During Bachman’s time as county engineer, the department has been responsible for 1,020 miles of asphalt paving and 2,227 miles of chip/seal on the county’s approximately 461 miles of roadway.

The department has replaced 171 of the 275 bridges and replaced 2,299 of the 2,975 roadway culverts. Also during that time, he pursued federal and state funding, completing over 40 federal projects and 75 Ohio Public Works projects.

The office also implemented the house number system for the 911 emergency services.

“I would not have accomplished anything without the dedicated people that have worked for the department," Bachman said. "I inherited 52 employees in 1989, and that staff has gone down to the current 28 employees due to budget constraints. Almost without exception over the years, our employees have come to work with the idea of doing their best for the citizens of our county."

Bachman credits support from citizens. "We have dealt with many property owners along our county roads, and almost without exception, the owners have been helpful — from allowing us to park equipment on private property to cooperating with us in cutting back banks and widening roads," he said.

Technology has played a major role through his time in office.

"When I took office, we had no computer in the office," Bachman said. "That has progressed through the years to enable our staff to provide computer-generated designs and plans as well as hosting electronic bidding.

“It has been my pleasure and honor to serve the citizens of Tuscarawas County for over 35 years. I hope that I have had a positive role in improving the viability and safety of Tuscarawas County roads and bridges.”