City of Eden News Release • February 27, 2023 • C. Adams, Marketing & Special Events Manager
CITY OF EDEN’S PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
(Eden, NC) – After 41 years of dedicated service, Paul Dishmon has announced he will retire from the City of Eden on February 28, 2023.
Paul is a proud lifetime resident of Eden (Spray). He began his career with the City as a meter reader in the early 80s, then worked in water and sewer, served as Facility & Grounds Superintendent within Parks & Recreation, was Interim Director of Public Works and then became Director of Public Works.
“The City of Eden gave me an opportunity when I was looking for a job and my job has remained my priority for over 40 years,” said Dishmon.
Dishmon has been fortunate to work on and lead some of the biggest projects the city has undertaken. During his tenure, the City built Freedom Park, installed four river accesses, installed new stone gateway signs, replaced the Bridge Street culvert, built the Kaboom playground, built Grogan Park, built and restored the Matrimony Creek Nature Trail, rehabbed the Goodwill Resource Center, built the training tower at Fire Station 4, conducted a tornado and tropical storm cleanup, built a steel bridge on the Smith River Greenway, assisted in the replacement of the sewer line across the Spray trestle, and so many more.
“During the tornado cleanup it was a great feeling knowing I, along with our Public Works employees and many other City employees, were there helping our neighbors during a devastating situation,” Dishmon said.
He also enjoyed portraying the Headless Horseman on his horse during the Haunted Trail at Freedom Park and being a part of building the new Draper Volunteer Fire Department Station 220. For over 30 years Dishmon, has volunteered and worked shifts for the Eden Fire Department. He has served as vice-chairman of the Draper Volunteer Fire Department since 2007. In addition, he has served on the City of Eden’s Tree Board for over 25 years.
Mayor Neville Hall said, “With more than 40 years of service to the City of Eden, obviously the City will lose a tremendous amount of knowledge and skill, upon Paul’s retirement. Paul has been a part of many of the improvements and growth of the City during his career. We thank him for his service and wish him the best in his retirement.”
Relationships built over time with contractors and citizens were a huge reward of the job. Many hours were spent working with Mike Somers of Asplundh Tree Co., Ann Stanfield of Duke Energy, Larry Edwards of Hunt & Co., John Hubbard of Dyer’s, Sam Smith of Sam W. Smith, Ernestine Hampton who was a long-time advocate for the Blue Creek community, and too many more to mention.
Dishmon said being a part of Public Works was the highlight of his career. Working with a department of dedicated and multi-talented men and women that are vital to the success of the City was very rewarding.
Sylvia Grogan, former Councilwoman, said, “I was impressed with Paul as an employee when I served on the Council. I especially remember his guidance as our City began looking at its recycling program. I traveled with him to learn from other cities who had successful programs in place. I found him to be extremely detailed! Extremely bright! An impressive leader. Our City will miss him.”
Paul looks forward to having more time to ride horses, concentrate on some special projects and enjoy the outdoors. As part of leadership training and transition, the Department of Public Works has developed many great talented leaders who will guide their individual divisions as they continue to provide excellence in the provision of public utilities, public streets, public sanitation, water and sewer, and the maintenance of the City’s motor vehicle and equipment fleets.
###