Orrville utilities director announces retirement after more than 39 years

Utilities Director Brediger told the Orrville City Council on July 6 that he will retire at the end of the month after more than 39 years with the City of Orrville (and five years in the private sector after college).

Brediger read a prepared statement recalling accomplishments and thanking colleagues. He cited restoring a third-generation unit in 1988 that enabled wholesale sales, a multi-year legal and regulatory dispute with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2007 and again in 2013 that allowed continued operation in a limited mode, and recent investments including a substation built after a 1995 fire. He told council that last year the plant saved customers more than $12 million. He also noted joint ownership through AMP of additional generation assets that now supply a large share of member-controlled energy and reported that utilities are effectively debt free apart from a small zero-interest water loan.

Mayor Plybon thanked Brediger for his leadership and service; Council President Vance recalled earlier years of Brediger’s tenure. In his statement Brediger said he looks forward to remaining in the community and expressed confidence in incoming utility leadership, mentioning "Mr. Filippi" by name.

The announcement was framed as a planned retirement; Brediger said his retirement is effective at the end of the month and offered thanks to staff, elected officials, and family.