Sussex names next county engineer
Sussex County is hiring a Delaware native with nearly 40 years of experience in water and wastewater construction and management to be the county’s new top engineer.
County Administrator Todd F. Lawson announced Michael T. Harmer as the new county engineer Jan. 30, filling the position after Hans Medlarz revealed in December 2023 his plans to retire later this year. Harmer is a registered professional engineer who most recently served as chief engineer for a suburban Washington, D.C. wastewater utility, overseeing its engineering and construction department of nearly 375 employees and some 100 contract workers, as well as managing an approximately $600 million budget for an operation serving a 500,000-customer account.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to join Sussex County government. I think my experience in the public sector is an excellent fit for Sussex County, where I look forward to continuing my career,” Harmer said. “I’m ready to get started and pick up where Hans is leaving off.”
Harmer, 60, who grew up in Newark and owns a home in Dewey Beach, is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in civil engineering. Since graduating college in 1986, Harmer earned his professional certification while working for private consulting companies in Delaware and Pennsylvania, then transitioned to the public sector in a variety of supervisory and leadership roles with the University of Delaware, New Castle County, Brandywine School District, and most recently, the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.
He is also a past member of the Delaware Water Infrastructure Advisory Council, which advises the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control secretary on capital spending for wastewater and water-related projects statewide. Currently, Harmer is chair of the Dewey Beach Planning & Zoning Commission, and is a board member/past president of his homeowners association.
The role of county engineer is a significant appointment within county government, overseeing a staff of nearly 180 people in five divisions responsible for designing, constructing and maintaining county projects, including public wastewater systems and various county facilities. Engineering is the single largest department within county government, and one of its most critical, employing engineers, project managers, draftsmen, construction technicians, wastewater operators, electricians and maintenance crews, among others.
Harmer will begin his service with Sussex County Monday, Feb. 5.
