Roeser named director of public works

The City of Rhinelander has found its new director of public works.
In a memo to the common council included with the panel’s Jan. 12 meeting agenda, city administrator Patrick Reagan announced a veteran city official has been appointed to the post.
“I am pleased to inform you that, after interviewing candidates, we have hired Tom Roeser as the new Director of Public Works for the City of Rhinelander,” Reagan wrote in the memo. “Tom has almost 30 years of experience in both the Streets Department and the Water Department and has been the Water Department Foreman since 2014.”
Reagan also noted that Roeser also has “an incredible knowledge base, great relationships with current and former staff, and a great understanding of the community culture as he was born and raised in Rhinelander.” In this time of transition within the City, I believe that Tom is going to do an outstanding job and will be an asset to the community in this role, he added.
The city has not had a public works director since Randy Myrum resigned in August 2023.

“We needed a public works director that has had dirt under his nails, that has been in the trench and understands the community,” Reagan told the Star Journal. “Tom Roeser is that guy.”
In a statement to the Star Journal, Roeser noted that his immediate focus is ensuring the safety and efficiency of the city’s infrastructure.
I am honored to serve the community as the new Director of Public Works,” he said. “My immediate focus will be ensuring the continued safety and efficiency of our infrastructure including water systems, wastewater systems, parks, and streets. I look forward to working closely with residents and local organizations to enhance our public services and build a more resilient community. We have an excellent team of dedicated individuals to accomplish our goals.”