After starting his career with the Road Commission for Oakland County 20 years ago as a mechanic, Neal Farner has worked his way up the ladder to his latest position as manager of the District 3 garage in Orion.
Farner took the job in November, replacing Loren Yaros who retired at the end of October, after 31 years with the RCOC, 18 of them as manager of District 3.
Farner was previously the superintendent in Southfield, and before that he served as a foreman in Davisburg.
‘After high school I went into the Army for three years,? Farner said. ‘I started as a mechanic for the road commission, and I did that for eight years.?
Originally from Clarkston, Farner now lives in Rochester Hills with his wife Janie.
Farner’s son Christopher, 26, recently returned from Iraq where he was serving in the Army.
Christopher lives in Fort Lewis, Washington, and Farner also has a granddaughter, 16-month-old Kaitlyn.
This isn’t Farner’s first experience working in Orion Township; he previously worked at the District 3 garage as a mechanic, and also as an equipment instructor in Pontiac.
‘I like the mix out here with the rural roads,? he said. ‘And I get to see wildlife. It’s a much smoother pace (than Souhfield). There’s a bunch of good folks to work with out here.?
Farner enjoys the sense of accomplishment he gets as a RCOC employee.
‘There’s a sense of satisfaction knowing you are helping people,? he said. ‘I never got the opportunity to work with Loren (Yaros)…But his are some big shoes to fill. He’s a good guy.?
Farner has received a warm welcome from local officials he’s met so far and also credits that to Yaros.
‘There’s no animosity towards the road commission to overcome,? he said. ‘I don’t plan on changing anything. My intent is not to reinvent the wheel.
‘The district as a whole already has a good reputation,? said Farner.
Hoping to maintain the same quality of service residents saw under Yaros, Farner said the RCOC’s job could become increasingly challenging if a budget cut for materials goes through next year.
‘I don’t know yet what the needs and wants are out here,? he said. ‘This year’s budget is set, but next year our material budget could be cut in half.?
This year, however, the RCOC is stocked and ready to take on winter.
‘Our trucks are all ready and the salt dome is loaded,? Farner said. The guys here have a lot of experience. The bell rings, and they’re off.?
When Farner isn’t working to ensure safe roads for the community, he and his wife enjoy riding motorcycles together.
‘I also enjoy woodworking,? he said.