Robbie Dunbar and Terry Dietsch – a 30-year legacy

At their most recent meeting, the Houston County Commissioners recognized two of their county employees – Terry Dietsch with the county landfill, and Robbie Dunbar with Public Works – for their 30 years of service. During their meeting, commissioners thanked the two men for their decades of good work, and gave them commemorative gifts for the occasion. While Chairman Tommy Stalnaker spoke generously of each man, The Journal reached out for a more in depth look at both of these men’s work.

Listening to Stalnaker speak on each of these men’s duties and work for the county, it became clear that they are far more than mere employees. “Both of them are outstanding employees, great leaders, great examples for the others that work around them. They’re very dedicated, not only to their jobs but to the people of this county. They’re very efficient in the way they handle things, and they’re very cost conscious.”

Both Dunbar and Dietsch have helped serve Houston County for three decades, but they have very different roles. As for Dunbar, he is the county’s Director of Operations. He works with several of the county’s department, including solid waste disposal, engineering, public buildings, the water department, as well as several others. Dunbar works with each of the department’s directors, but according to Stalnaker, he is directly responsible for all of those different departments.

“He’s outstanding, if you want to talk about his performance,” Stalnaker added. “He’s been outstanding, and it’s really been there from day one. His work ethic is outstanding. He gives 110% to his job.”

While Dietsch may not have the wide-reaching position that Dunbar has, Dietsch has been tasked to head the Solid Waste Disposal facility and collection. He works directly with the contractors who manage the county’s curbside collection. “His performance is outstanding,” Stalnaker said. “He also gives 110% everyday. He’s very dedicated to the county, very dedicated to the people who work with him and for him. He looks out for them and makes sure they have the very best equipment to do their job that they can have.” Stalnaker went on to explain that because of Dietsch’s work, the county’s enterprise fund has been able to flourish and grow, making many county projects possible.

Although both of them entered their positions as younger, less experienced men, Stalnaker says that their work has never disappointed, and their skills have only grown. “I think both of them had the same qualities and characteristics the first day they came to work for the county. They have improved as far as their skills, and working with the public. Obviously, I think most anyone would in that period of time by dealing with different people constantly, almost on a daily basis.”

As his comments came to an end, Stalnaker said, “There would be a huge void without those two gentlemen. With their expertise and their experience, you do not replace them overnight. Obviously, anyone who’s got 30 years, when they walk out that door, that 30 years of experience walks out with them. With us still having those two individuals as employees, it is nothing but a positive for the county to have someone in those positions with that amount of experience and number of years.”

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