After retiring from the military, Joe Webb’s wife encouraged him to find something to do since he was restless.
Doing something has now evolved into becoming Cambridge City’s public works superintendent.
Webb has served as interim superintendent since January.
Council advertised the job, and after an executive session to conduct interviews, approved Webb for the position at its May 12 meeting.
Webb began full-time mowing and equipment operation for the town in May 2022, a few weeks after joining in a part-time role.
The Lincoln High School graduate retired in October 2020 from the Army, where he was a combat engineer, horizontal construction engineer and drill sergeant instructor. Webb was stationed longest at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, but he also served in Germany and El Paso, Texas.
Webb said he enjoyed returning home and enjoys its slower pace.
That pace, however, has increased as he’s taken on more responsibilities for the town.
“There are a lot of hats to wear in the position,” Webb said.
Public works includes everything from issuing permits to conducting building inspections, overseeing daily operations and interacting with residents.
Webb said he wants to make sure he provides the right answer, or if he doesn’t know immediately, tracks down the information and shares it.
Department reorganization
Also during the May meeting, council approved an ordinance reorganizing the public works department. Council members previously discussed dividing the department into two divisions, each with a supervisor reporting to Webb.
One division will focus on running the water utility, the other on building maintenance, streets, Creitz Park and Riverside Cemetery.
Webb’s oldest son, Ryan, is a laborer/operator for the water department, and so the separated divisions also aim to address any concerns about nepotism.
Council also amended the salary ordinance for the town positions and how they’re paid, paying employees focused on water from water funds, and other employees from general and MVH funds.
Clerk-Treasurer Sherry Ervin said the water fund will pick up more of the personnel expenses, resulting in about a $4,000 savings elsewhere.
Councilor Jim King said reorganizing the department is “just the right thing to do.” He said there’s more recent activity related to water, especially related to supporting the industrial park construction, and the split gives an opportunity for the teams to have focus and proper leadership.
Council members congratulated Webb on his new role.
“I’ll do my best,” Webb said.
“You already are,” one member replied.
A version of this article appeared in the May 21 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.