Olney’s Michael Jacoba Wins Statewide Water Award

Olney Public Works Director Michael Jacoba has been recognized with one of the highest honors in his profession, earning the Outstanding Professional Award from the Texas Water Utilities Association. The award is presented annually to one individual who has made “outstanding and significant contributions to the water utilities profession” across the state.

Mayor Rue Rogers announced the honor during the Aug. 11 City Council meeting, praising Mr. Jacoba’s leadership in keeping Olney’s century- old water treatment plant running smoothly while also guiding the city through a major transition to a modern water system. Olney residents voted in 2023 to approve $13.5 million in revenue bonds to fund construction of the new facility.

“This truly is a tremendous accomplishment,” Mayor Rogers told Mr. Jacoba during the meeting. “Michael, you do a fantastic job. We recognize it each day, but it’s awesome that the state realizes how talented you are, too.”

Councilmembers encouraged Mr. Jacoba to attend the award ceremony in Waco, where the honor will be presented at 6 p.m. on Sept. 8. “The only thing you can do—because he’s so hard-headed,” Mayor Rogers said, “is I think he needs to go to Waco and accept the award.”

Other members quickly joined in, suggesting that the City Council could even cancel its scheduled meeting that evening so they could travel together to show support.

Mr. Jacoba, who has worked to maintain the city’s aging water system while preparing for its replacement, expressed appreciation for the recognition. “Thank you,” he said simply.

Mayor Rogers urged him to “get your guys trained up” because of the potential job offers that could come flooding in.

“Stay local,” he urged. “But that’s fantastic. Congratulations.”