Bragg selected as new Weirton water director
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WEIRTON - A familiar face is set to take the helm of Weirton’s water system.
Rocky Bragg, currently a member of the Weirton Area Water Board and a previous employee, was approved by the board Thursday to take on the role of Weirton water director.
Full details of the employment agreement were not discussed openly Thursday, although the advertisement for the water director position noted a salary of between $85,000 and $95,000.
Prior to their approval, members of the board - with Bragg recusing himself from the discussion - were presented with copies of the employment agreement, as well as the employee handbook and social media policy.
"This was negotiated between me, Rocky and his counsel," explained Dan Guida, legal counsel for the Water Board, prior to Thursday’s vote.
The director position became vacant following the recent retirement of Utilities Director A.D. "Butch" Mastrantoni, who oversaw both water and sanitary operations. The Weirton Water Board and Weirton Sanitary Board have opted to each hire their own director.
Bragg must resign his position with the Weirton Area Water Board prior to beginning the new role.
According to Guida, Bragg also must begin working as water director within 30 days of signing the contract, otherwise the agreement is void.
"He needs to come on the job within 30 days," Guida said.
Bragg previously worked as an operator for the Weirton water system, and, in recent years, has been employed by CITCO Water - previously known as C.I. Thornburg - which provides materials and services for municipal water and wastewater systems.
The company, founded in Huntington, now has operations in seven states.
He also has held a leadership role with the West Virginia Section of the American Water Works Association.
Bragg also is known for his time on the basketball court, both as a player and a coach.
For the last few years, he has served as the head coach of the girls basketball team at his alma mater, Steubenville Catholic Central. He also previously has been part of the coaching staffs for the Weirton Madonna girls basketball team and the Franciscan University women’s team.
He was inducted into the Catholic Central Hall of Fame in 2018, in recognition of his contributions to the school’s 1984 boys basketball team.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)