McMinnville Public Works honored one of its own during a luncheon Wednesday. Larry Watson has been with the city 40 years.
“He’s one of those employees who does not seek recognition,” said Public Works assistant director Brad Hennessee. “Instead, he just goes about his day doing his job.”
Public Works director Bill Brock says Watson is an excellent employee and very dependable.
“He lives out by Baker Mountain Road,” Brock said. “Yet he’s the first one to work every morning, even in bad weather. I use him as an example when people call in because they couldn’t get here due to weather. You couldn’t come in because of the snow? Larry got here.”
However, there is an ongoing controversy within the department that gives Watson good-hearted ridicule from his fellow employees.
“He lied about his age on his employment application,” Brock said. “He wanted to work here, but he wasn’t old enough. I think he was 17, but the minimum age was 18. He added a few months to his age and got the job.”
The deception was not discovered until years later and after Watson proved his ability to be an asset. He kept his job, however good-hearted ribbing continues today.
“His paperwork had to be corrected,” said Brock. “We give him grief about it. We can’t help it. It’s our little controversy. He just smiles about it.”
Hennessee adds, “He’s an interesting character, that’s for sure.”
Watson is the department’s heavy equipment operator. He was hired Nov. 22, 1971.
“His actual title is heavy equipment operator, but he does a little bit of everything for us,” said Hennessee. “If something needs to be done, Larry’s always willing to help. You can depend on him.”
McMinnville Mayor Norman Rone made the plaque presentation to Watson. Then, he presented all employees with checks that equaled one week’s pay.
“We’ve had a few tough years,” Rone said. “This is our way to say thank you for pulling together as a team and doing what needed to be done. This department, especially, has done just that. We appreciate all the hard work that you do and will continue to do for the city.”
The checks were not due to Watson’s 40-year employment record. Instead, all full-time employees with the city will receive one week’s pay as a bonus.