Paul Snyder, new Board of Public Utilities deputy general manager of water resources, is pictured.

Paul Snyder knows he has big shoes to fill at the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities.

Snyder, a public engineer, was recently named the new Board of Public Utilities deputy general manager of water resources.

The ‘water-guru’ has not only some big shoes to fill, but an essential and vital department to run.

“The Water Division was run byDGM Michael V. Saar, and run exceptionally well,” said Snyder. “I’ve got big shoes and a huge void to fill after Saar’s retirement.”

Snyder brings extensive background to the position, including time as a former Engineer III of both the Chautauqua County Health Department and the Chautauqua County Department of Public Facilities with past responsibilities that include evaluating and inspecting public water systems, wastewater systems, public pools, campgrounds and mobile home parks while overseeing and ensuring that all New York design and treatment standards were upheld. He also played an integral role in emergency response communications processes in the event of major municipal water emergencies.

“I’m really focused on providing high-quality water services which are dependable and reliable for our customers,” said Snyder. “Dependable, reliable and cost efficient.

When compared to national and state-wide price points for utility services, BPU, by and large, has been able to keep the cost for its public utility services relatively low and affordable when leveraged against the national and regional averages.

“We really strive to maintain a reliable and cost-efficient service,” said David Leathers, BPU’s general manager. “We hire some of the best and most highly trained and competent people in our fields… much like Paul and we focus on providing the best quality services; we also focus on keeping out cost down and keeping our systems operating at peak efficiency.”

While the BPU doesn’t like to toot its own horn, it does appear to be managed and run extremely well by the current leadership team, which includes notable employees, like Snyder.

Snyder has been involved with and helped spearhead numerous large-scale water and wastewater system projects such as the establishment of the North County Water District and Phase 2 of the South and Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer District’s West Side Extension Project. He has designed, prepared bid documents and managed the construction of numerous county-owned bridges and culverts. The New York State Health Department, City of Dunkirk and County of Chautauqua recognized Snyder with Accommodations for his work in the City of Dunkirk 2018 Water Emergency.

“We really try to hire the best, most capable people in the industry,” Leathers said. “We strive to be proactive and head off problems before they become bigger and more expensive issues.” “Are we perfect, no, but we really try and be good stewards with our revenue streams, employee retention and customer service.”

Moreover, BPU’s and Snyders -focus appears to be forward-thinking and all about positive control of cost, much to the benefit of its customers.

“When we plan for equipment replacement, upgrades or building projects we try and look five and 10-years out,” said Leathers. “In some cases -such as building projects- this is an investment which can have implications 30-40 and even 80 years out. So applying for grants and smart fiscal responsibility, along with long-term planning is a must.”

This fact is not lost in the new water czar’s and his internal management style.

“We’re really trying to set up and plan generationally,” said Snyder. “What we do now will affect our kids and our children’s kids. We really must be smart with our forward thinking and planning.”