Preston public works director John Balls to retire May 1 after three decades of service

Mayor Dan Keller opened the Feb. 23 meeting by announcing that Public Works Director John Balls plans to retire on May 1, 2026 after more than thirty years with Preston City. "John has been employed with Preston City for over thirty years, and it will be hard to let him go," Keller said, and the council said it will recognize Balls at a future meeting.

Councilmember Terry Larson thanked Balls for his long service and told council that many residents do not see the work the public works department performs outside regular hours. "People aren't aware of all the work the public works department does on our behalf, in the middle of the night, weekends, and more," Larson said. Councilmember Chris Larsen said he has known Balls nearly his whole life and called him "a great man," and Councilmember Brent Dodge praised Balls' institutional knowledge and unselfish service.

The announcements were procedural and ceremonial: no personnel action or succession plan was recorded in the minutes. The council did not place any replacement or recruitment steps on the record during this meeting; the only next step noted was a planned public recognition of Balls' service at a future session.