29-Year Milestone Reached by City Employee

If you’ve had the privilege to live on Marco Island in the last 29 years, you have been the recipient of Pablo Uvalle’s dedication and commitment to servicing island residents and businesses. 

Mr. Uvalle has been an employee of the Marco Island Utilities since well before the community’s incorporation 24 years ago, on August 28, 1997. Prior to that, he was employed by Florida Water Services.

At the December 7 meeting of the Marco Island City Council, Uvalle was recognized for 29 years of service and professionalism. Uvalle was honored not only by the council, but also his peers, who turned out in force to show their support and appreciation.

The proclamation was read aloud by Council Chairman Erik Brechnitz, with some humor injected into the normal platitudes, thanks to Uvalle’s fellow employees. In the proclamation, Uvalle was recognized as a “human backhoe,” and for his gardening talents regarding the red peppers he grows that can bring tears to a grown man’s eyes.

The respect and admiration for Pablo Uvalle was quite evident, as most of the members of the utility team were on hand for the presentation. They and others joined in a standing ovation for him when the presentation concluded.

Nationwide, recognition of employees and their value in government, as well as the private sector, has become an important factor in employee retention. High employee turnover can be a major factor in project delays, low morale and recruiting issues. Replacing employees adds additional costs, such as training. Employee turnover may also result in other issues that arise from a lack of institutional knowledge, which could also lead to an increase in overall costs.