Public Works Director Johnston Resigns, Wuest Steps in as Acting Interim
Town of Lake City Public Works Director Jameson Johnston has resigned his post, effective October 24, 2025. In his stead, Public Works employee Ethan Wuest became interim Director October 27.Johnston became interim Director in January, 2021, under then Town Manager Caroline Mitchell, and was made Public Works Director in June of 2021 after Mitchell resigned, and the Town Manager position was held in interim by Parks and Recreation Director Ben Hake. Johnston succeeded Greg Levine, who resigned when he was elected County Commissioner.Wuest takes the position with water/wastewater C certifications, which he received earlier this year. He also holds collection 1 and distribution 1 certifications as well.With the new Wastewater Treatment Plant project underway, Town Manager Lex Mulhall informs WORLD that the Town’s Public Works Director will be required to hold a wastewater B certification to operate the new facility. Wuest will be sitting for this exam in the early months of 2026, which he had already been planning to do before being offered the interim position.Mulhall said, “Ethan paid for his own wastewater C certification independently while working as an operator and only being required to have a D certification. This shows great initiative on his part.”Further, Mulhall said as part of Wuest’s agreement to be Interim Public Works Director and possibly take the job permanently, several benchmarks and evaluative periods will be required.He must certify at the wastewater B level, demonstrate a clear process to accomplish a water-filling station, become proficient in leak detection, and present a timetable to complete fire hydrant repair on Water and Seventh Streets. He must also apply for a well permit for the ski hill and provide a detailed report on what is needed to operate and maintain a ski hill well for both snow making and as a supply of potable water for a new ski hill warming hut.
