Friday marked the end of a nearly three-decade era. Jon Mill, who served as Burleigh County's engineer since 1981, made his retirement final. wz08

Burleigh County Road Supervisor Rodney Ness, who has worked with Mill since the beginning, said few can compare to his dedication. "His contribution to the county, to the whole community and to the region in transportation is immeasurable.

"He sat on numerous committees that had anything to do with planning and transportation planning," Ness said.

Ness credits Mill for matching roads needs from rural to residential.

"With the explosion of development of Bismarck, he helped make it an orderly development," Ness said. "He made sure the roads tied into an infrastructure that is user-friendly."

Ness added that Mill is highly recognized across the state for his county engineer work. Most notably, Mill was named both the County Engineer of the Year and the Appointed Official of the Year by the North Dakota Association of Counties during his tenure.

"He is extremely dedicated. When he tore into a project, he saw it through to the end. A good part of his day was spent on growth issues with the county," Ness said. "He is widely recognized by his peers from the city, county and state. He is a good person and a friend."

Mill said a higher populated county has required more planning to meet demands of motorists.

"People are now coming from other parts of the country and the state to move here," Mill said.

He credits the energy activity, government activity and medical facilities for the increased numbers.

"In Burleigh County, we've tried to adequately keep up with the growth. We're trying to keep everybody mobilized," Mill said.

Mill said a new shop and better equipment have helped in meeting the needs of those living outside city limits.

Before working with the county, Mill served as the construction coordinator for the Valley City District of the North Dakota Department of Transportation and did similar work for the U.S. Forest Service during his summers. Mill earned a bachelor of science degree in construction engineering from Montana State University.

He and wife, Marie, intend on spending some time with his daughter and grandchild. "I have a lot of hobbies to catch up on like motorcycling, fishing and snowmobiling," he said.

"I filled my position as best as I could," Mill said. He said it is big responsibility meeting the transportation needs of the county citizens, but he also has been given a lot of flexibility in making the right decisions. "You are where the buck stops. That's good when it works out. … I got a lot of satisfaction from the work."

Mill said he has had a good staff of 31 people to work with over the years and that has made the job easier.

"I hope I left the department in better shape than I found it," he said.

Mill began training with incoming county engineer Marcus Hall in early November and they jointly shared the duties during the transition.

Hall has worked for St. Louis County, Minn., as both the bridge engineer and county engineer.

"He is a good choice. He is interested in the county and will do a good job," Mill said.

(Reach reported LeAnn Eckroth at 250-8264 or leann.eckroth@;bismarcktribune.com.)