Johnson City honors Tom Witherspoon after 44 years leading water and sewer operations

The Johnson City Board of Commissioners on Nov. 6 read a resolution honoring Tom Witherspoon for 44 years with the city’s water and sewer department and invited him to address the commission.

The resolution recited Witherspoon’s start in 1981, progression to assistant director and director, leadership in asset management and capital planning, and the utility’s achievement of regulatory compliance and numerous awards. The resolution noted the department’s service area and infrastructure: treatment facilities, expanded regional service and protection of health and environment for more than 130,000 people.

Witherspoon told the commission he had been proud to work with successive boards that prioritized capital investment and described the utility’s scope as large and technically complex — tens of millions in capital investments, about 2,000 miles of line and multiple treatment plants. He praised staff, emphasized the commission’s role as the utility’s board of directors, and endorsed John Lane as his successor.

Commissioners thanked Witherspoon for mentoring staff, providing clear planning (rate studies and long‑term capital plans) and for educating elected officials about utility matters; several recalled tours and specific examples of his work. The commission presented Witherspoon with the resolution and he addressed family members in the audience.

Why it matters: The utility’s long‑term capital planning and investment were repeatedly credited with preventing operational distress and protecting public health and fire protection classification benefits. The resolution formalized appreciation for decades of service and leadership continuity as the city transitions to a new director.

What was not resolved: The reading was ceremonial; no operational or policy changes were recorded as a result of the resolution.