For 25 years, Jeff Wright has served as the Genesee County Drain Commissioner, overseeing critical water infrastructure that affects every resident – from ensuring clean drinking water to maintaining wastewater treatment systems that protect public health. A lifelong Genesee County resident from the Atherton/Bentley area, Jeff’s dedication to his community runs deep. His career in public service spans nearly five decades, including 23 years working under Commissioner Anthony Ragnone before stepping into his current leadership role.
Beyond the responsibilities of his office, Jeff is a husband of 44 years, a proud father of three and a grandfather to ten. But there’s more to him than his important title. We wanted to learn a few things about the man behind the mission – his first job, hidden talents, favorite travels and even the tasks he tends to put off. Read on!
1. What was your very first job?
At age 14, I was hired by a cleaning company who serviced small businesses across Genesee County. During nights, weekends and summers I cleaned carpets, emptied trash, and cleaned toilets and sinks – making all of $1.20 per hour (it did seem like a lot at the time!) Working at a young age while attending school taught me work ethic and time management skills that have served me my entire life.
2. Tell us something people would never guess about you.
Many would be surprised to know that I was raised in a farm setting. Most days were spent growing our own vegetables, taking care of horses, chickens and other small farm animals, and doing typical farm-related chores. This is also when I developed my affection for wearing cowboy boots, which I continue to this day.
3. Where is the coolest place you’ve traveled to?
The most memorable trip that comes to mind is when I traveled to Barbados with three generations of my family. Enjoying the hot climate, white sandy beaches and amazing local culture and history, and doing so with my extended family, is something I will forever cherish. I especially remember visiting structures built in the 1500s that were fully intact, and being surprised by the heavily European influence that remained on the island, including the residents who spoke fluent English with British accents, and their excellent cuisine.
4. What task do you most often procrastinate about doing?
Cleaning the enormous amount of papers I have accumulated over the many years that have become a mountain of boxes in my basement and garage at home.
5. Do you collect anything – if so, what and why?
Having developed an affinity for wearing cowboy boots, I have amassed quite the collection of different styles over the years.
6. Describe your average weekend.
These days, devoting time to my grandchildren at their school plays, football and basketball games, or just having them visit at our home is my favorite way to spend a weekend.
7. You’ve been in your current career for 25 years; what has been the best thing about it?
Overseeing the construction and success of the Karegnondi Water Authority Pipeline, the 80-mile water main stretching from Lake Huron to Genesee County, bringing the highest quality water to our member communities has been a game-changer for our region.
Jeff and Division Director John O’Brien inspect a pipe that eventually was used as part of the intake under Lake Huron for the Karegnondi Water Authority Pipeline project.
The pipeline, and creation of our own water treatment and delivery system, allowed our communities to achieve water independence, local control and rate stabilization. We have gone eight years with no water rate increases due to owning and operating our own water system, providing an emergency back-up water source to the City of Flint, and have a tremendous resource available for prospective future development. I am truly thankful for the 2,000 individuals who helped build the pipeline on time and under budget, and immensely proud of the coalition of 42 Genesee County townships, cities and villages, as well as the counties of Genesee, Sanilac and Lapeer that empowered our residents toward this success.
I am also proud of our County Capital Improvement Fee (CCIF) program, which assists longtime water and sewer users by assessing a fee to new utility connections, with revenue going directly to expanding and maintaining essential water and sewer infrastructure to protect our public health. The nearly $160 million we have collected, mainly from out-of-town developers, allows residents and businesses already on our system to avoid paying for expansions needed for these new builds. After its inception, the CCIF program was challenged legally by several wealthy corporations not wanting to pay their fair share; but our office prevailed all the way to the Michigan State Supreme Court, protecting the safety and well-being of our hardworking citizens.
