Buffalo Grove public works director announces retirement

Buffalo Grove Public Works Director Michael Reynolds is stepping down after seven years at the helm of the department that handles everything from streets and sidewalks to water and sewer, he announced Monday.

Reynolds, a Northbrook resident, said his last day will be Dec. 4 - just in time for snowplowing season.

He said he is one of 17 Buffalo Grove employees taking advantage of the village's Voluntary Separation Incentive program.

Under the program, employees who choose to retire or leave will receive $25,000 in a retirement health savings account, $25,000 placed in a deferred-compensation plan or $25,000 divided between the two. Village officials expect it to save at least $1 million in the 2021 budget.

A memo from Deputy Village Manager Jennifer Maltas to the village board said the staff is discussing reorganization of the department with Reynolds' departure.

Reynolds was hired in 2013, filling the spot held by Gregory Boysen, who retired after 35 years with the village. Reynolds previously held public works posts in Arlington Heights, Des Plaines and Northfield.

"I have got 36 years in the pension and 38 years in public service. This is going to be a good opportunity to move on and let some of the younger, more energetic staffers take the helm," he said.

Reynolds said his biggest accomplishment in Buffalo Grove was pushing the village's infrastructure modernization program. Over the next five years, the village will oversee or participate in more than $175 million in water, sewer and street projects.

In the process, the village raised water and sewer rates, imposed a fixed facility fee and implemented a local motor fuel tax to pay for the improvements. The village also approved a $24 million bond issue to fund the work.

"I'm not necessarily proud of raising the fee, but I think it was an important step to get the water system back on a positive track," he said. "There hadn't been a rate increase for 30 years, so something had to happen."

Other employees taking the village incentive to leave include four workers in community development, seven in the police department, one in the fire department and five in public works.