Oblong Public Works Department

The mission of the Oblong Public Works Department is to
provide the highest quality, most efficient, cost effective
services to the residents and the surrounding community of the Village of Oblong.

Objectives	Water Division	Sewer Division
Street & Alley Division	Building & Parks Division	Employees

E-Mail The Public Works Department

The Public Works Department is one of the most visible departments within the Village government, yet people are unaware of the operations that Public Works performs. It is important to understand what Public Works does and how they work for the Village and its citizens.

There are four divisions within the Oblong Public Works Department: Water Division, Sewer Division, Street & Alley Division and Building & Parks Division. Each performs public service functions that are essential to the daily lives of Oblong residents.

Questions about any area of Public Works can be answered by contacting the:
Village of Oblong Public Works office at 618-592-3122.
Our office is located at 202 South Range St., in Oblong.
Our office hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday Through Friday

For after hours-emergency calls, dial 592-3122 and follow the recorded instructions.

Public Works Department Objectives

The Oblong Public Works Department is constantly evaluating processes and procedures. Projects that the Village cannot handle efficiently are contracted out to private businesses; however, other times department personnel can perform certain tasks at a lower cost than outside companies. This balance produces the most efficient type of operation, thereby keeping costs at a minimum. In turn, this means fewer tax increases, and lower water and sewer rates for the citizens of Oblong. The Public Works Department is working for you by ensuring quality living for Oblong and its surrounding communities.

Water Division: The Oblong Public Water Supply has approximately 1150 customers. The Department maintains over 38 miles of water main lines, and 106 fire hydrants. The system has one 250,000 gallon storage tank, and pumps an average of 125,000 gallons per day. Treated water is purchased from the Robinson Palestine Water Commission. More information about our water can be found in the annual consumer confidence report, which is available at our office.

Sewer Division: The Oblong sewer system has approximately 750 customers. The department maintains over 11 ½ miles of main lines, 3 lift stations and the wastewater treatment facility which consists of a 2 cell lagoon system (7 acre primary & 4 ½ acre secondary).

Street & Alley Division: The department is responsible for maintenance of over 13 ½ mile of streets. Other services include installation and maintenance of driveway culverts and ditches, storm sewer cleaning and repair, sidewalk maintenance and repairs, sign maintenance, storm cleanup, fall leaf pick up and snow removal.

Building & Parks Division: The department is responsible for the maintenance of the Oblong Park and Lake . The park covers approximately 20 acres which include the 6 ½ acre lake. The park includes playgrounds, 3 covered shelters, 2 restroom facilities (1 with showers), camping facilities, sand volleyball and horseshoe courts, a bicycle recreation area and over ½ mile of paved and lighted walkway around the lake. The department also maintains the building and grounds of the Oblong Municipal Building, the downtown mini park and the Ray & Alberta Atkins Memorial Park.

Gary has been employed by the Village of Oblong for over 25 years, the last 12 as superintendent. He has an IEPA class D Water Supply Operator certification, an IEPA class 4 Wastewater Operator Certification and has logged many hours of continuing education. He is responsible for regulatory compliance as well as managing all aspects of the department. He also spends as much time as possible working with the crew on various projects.

Travis Smith, Assistant Superintendent

Travis has been employed by the Village of Oblong for over 12 years. He has an IEPA class D Water Supply Operator certification and is currently pursuing wastewater certification. Aside from foreman of the crew and filling in when the superintendent is away, his duties include being the main backhoe operator.

Dale has been employed by the Village of Oblong for over 16 years. As Office Manager, she handles a multitude of tasks including Water and Sewer billing and record keeping and handling customer requests and complaints. She also assists the superintendent with clerical responsibilities.

Jason has been employed by the Village of Oblong for over 15 years. He is the primary water meter reader for the department, assists as a utility crewman, fills in at the office when needed.

Rick White, Utility Crewman

Rick has been employed by the Village of Oblong for over 5 years. He has multiple skills in maintenance and construction. He has quickly become an asset to the Public Works Department.

Paula has held this part-time position since it was created in the spring of 2001 to help maintain the landscaping at the newly renovated park and lake. She also maintains the picnic shelters and restrooms at the park, as well as filling in for the custodian at the municipal building.

Byron Sanders, Custodian/Grounds Keeper

Byron has been the custodian at the municipal building for over 7 years. He also helps maintain the grounds at the parks and assists the utility crew when needed.