After 44 years of service, Tom Witherspoon, Director of Water and Sewer Services (WSS) for the City of Johnson City, is set to retire, with his departure scheduled for November 6. Witherspoon's long-standing career began in 1981 as a civil engineer with the city, quickly ascending to assistant director the following year and then taking the helm as director in 1987. City Manager Cathy Ball praised Witherspoon, stating that "Tom's contributions to Johnson City cannot be overstated," according to a statement from the City's official announcement.
During Witherspoon's tenure as director, Johnson City's population saw growth from 48,000 residents to over 73,000, expanding the service reach of WSS to approximately 130,000 people across 166 square miles in four counties. Despite having retired after nearly five decades of service, the Department he's leaving behind has experienced significant growth under his leadership. Its budget has grown from $10 million to $46 million, and the workforce increased, rising from 117 to nearly 190 full-time employees, as detailed by city officials.
His career is not only measured by the expansion of the department but also by the high standards maintained in regulatory compliance and the numerous awards received. With nearly 190 state and national awards since 1988 and achieving 100 percent compliance across all wastewater plants in 2024, Witherspoon leaves behind a legacy of environmental stewardship and excellence. Major infrastructure improvements orchestrated under his direction include the upgrades to all five treatment facilities, the construction of a new water intake on the Watauga River, and the acquisition of five storage tanks, boosting capacity by 55 percent, information highlighted in the City's press release.
The Department now handles an impressive daily average of 15.7 million gallons of water and treats 13.8 million gallons of wastewater. These advancements underscore Witherspoon's commitment to the city's infrastructure, which is also reflected in the addition of a new service center and the implementation of asset management programs that have positioned WSS for continued success in the future. Witherspoon, recognizing the collaborative nature of his work, remarked, "I have been grateful to work alongside an outstanding staff, both past and present, whose dedication to our customers have made every accomplishment possible," he told Johnson City's news outlet.
Looking beyond the water and sewer systems, WSS played a significant role in supporting broader community initiatives, including assisting the Johnson City Fire Department in ISO inspections and extending services to previously unserved areas. As the City of Johnson City bids farewell to a substantial figure in its community, Witherspoon's influence will remain through the modernized infrastructure and steadfast service his department provided throughout the years. In capturing the sentiment of his departure, Witherspoon expressed his honor in serving the community, paying tribute to the multiple city commissions and six city managers he has worked with who have recognized the importance of investing in the city's water and sewer systems.
