When Tony Ballard received his gold watch from the City of Andalusia Friday afternoon, he had clocked just shy of 47 years as a City employee.

Ballard, who has maintained the Utilities Department’s 27 lift stations, said much as changed in those years.

“I saw the new (water treatment) plant built from scratch,” he said. “I remember when they started it, and it was nothing but red clay.”

Through the years he’s done many different jobs for wastewater treatment. He said he never expected to stay 46-plus years, but the benefits were difficult to beat.

“Tony has done a stellar job at what he does,” Director of Wastewater Treatments Mike Kelley said. “We’ve had no ADEM (Alabama Department of Environmental Management) violations, and that says a lot. To stay in one place for 46 years is unheard of in this day and time.”

Mayor Earl Johnson thanked Ballard for his service, and said it is believed he is the longest-serving City employee ever. He began working with the City on July 7, 1980.

Ballard said he decided to retire so he can enjoy his four-year-old granddaughter, Lillie Ann, more.

“She is definitely the boss,” he said.

“The other reason is you’re not promised forever,” he said.

He and his wife, Debbie, are the parents of three and grandparents of one.

The Wastewater Treatment Department hosted a lunch for him Friday, followed by a reception attended by co-workers, family and friends on Friday afternoon.