Orrville utilities director announces retirement after 39 years, highlights $12 million in customer savings

Jeff Beniger, Orrville’s utilities director, told council he will retire at the end of July after 39 years with the city and five years in the private sector earlier in his career. In prepared remarks he reviewed long‑running utility projects and milestones, including returning a third‑generation unit to service, joint ownership in generation assets, investment in solar and hydro sites, and efforts that he said saved the city’s utility customers roughly $12,000,000 last year through peak‑shaving and other measures.

Beniger thanked colleagues, multiple mayors and law directors he served under, the utility staff and trustees, and said he would remain in town after retirement. Mayor Plyman and other council members thanked Beniger for his service and praised the utility’s performance and the staff he led.

Beniger’s announcement drew extended remarks from council appreciating his contributions to utility reliability, economic development work and intergovernmental advocacy. Council did not take formal personnel action at the meeting; his retirement date was given as the end of July.