Weirton Utilities Director Announces Retirement

WEIRTON - Following more than 35 years at the helm of the community’s water and sanitary services, Weirton Utilities Director A.D. "Butch" Mastrantoni has announced his plans to retire.

The Weirton Area Water Board held a special meeting Wednesday, with legal counsel Dan Guida explaining Mastrantoni plans for his last day to be Oct. 16.

He submitted his intention in a letter to the board Aug. 17.

The timing is expected to coincide with the substantial completion of the ongoing capacity expansion at the city’s water treatment plant. A similar project at the wastewater plant is in the process of wrapping up, having reached substantial completion earlier this year.

"He told me a number of times, once those were finished, he was going to retire," Guida said.

Each project, planning for which began in 2019, is designed to expand the treatment capacity from 4 million gallons per day to 8 million gallons per day at the two treatment plants.

A groundbreaking for the wastewater treatment plant was held in April 2024, with the water treatment plant project officially launching the following August. Both projects were awarded to Triton Construction.

Members of the board took time to offer their congratulations to Mastrantoni during Wednesday’s meeting.

"Thank you. I appreciate it," he said in response.

The Water Board will hold another special meeting, currently scheduled for noon on Sept. 2, to discuss continuity plans and begin the process of searching for someone to manage the Weirton water system.

"We need to map out a timeline," Guida said. "Time is of the essence."

The process would include the development of an updated job description and salary range, as well as plans for how and where to advertise the position.

Board member Bob Kolanko said it would be a good idea to have a multilevel plan in place in the event a new manager is not hired by Mastrantoni’s planned retirement.

"You don’t want to rush Plan A," Kolanko said.

In addition, upon a question from Ward 6 Councilman Anthony Rocchio, who represents Weirton Council on the Water Board, Guida confirmed the mayor and council would play no role in the selection process.

Guida specifically cited the 2001 ordinance that established the Weirton Area Water Board as a standalone entity.

"It clearly says the Water Board manages it," Guida said, noting that includes personnel decisions. "I see no role for council."

Guida said he already had been approached by Mayor Dean Harris with similar questions.

Mastrantoni explained that while he has overseen both water and sewer operations, he technically is a Sanitary employee, with the water aspect of the job handled on a contractual basis.

"The board had an intergovernmental agreement, I guess is the best way to say it, for day-to-day management services," Mastrantoni said.

Whether a similar arrangement would continue was not discussed.