COLUMBIA – A multi-state organization of municipal utilities has honored Perryville Public Works Director Jeff Layton with its Buddy Bennett – Lee Barker Community Service Award.
Jeff Layton, Public Works Director for the City of Perryville, is presented with MPUA’s Buddy Bennett – Lee Barker Community Service Award. (Oct. 2, Osage Beach, MO)
The award, presented by the Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MPUA), honors utility employees who demonstrate exceptional commitment to improving their communities’ social, cultural, educational, or economic environment while fostering employee involvement.
Layton earned the distinction for his leadership during a particularly challenging year for Perryville. On January 2, 2025, a severe ice storm hit the city and county, followed by a tornado on March 14. Layton coordinated city efforts to collect 3,500 one-ton dump truck loads of limbs and an additional 1,300 loads delivered, ensuring the community recovered quickly from both events.
Beyond emergency response, Layton oversaw major ongoing projects, including the early operations of a new wastewater treatment plant; a $10 million construction project to install a lift station, forced main, and gravity trunk line; and a $12 million runway at Perryville Regional Airport. His coordination ensured these projects met high quality standards while navigating the challenges of the two major weather events.
“Jeff Layton’s leadership exemplifies how public service can meet the needs of a community, even under extraordinary circumstances,” MPUA President & CEO Steve Stodden said. “Through his guidance, Perryville recovered from significant storms and continued critical infrastructure projects, demonstrating the value of teamwork, innovation, and dedication.”
Layton’s innovative approach included leveraging retired staff and mutual aid from neighboring communities, which expedited recovery efforts while maintaining essential daily public works functions. While the award recognizes Layton individually, it also honors the high-performing public works team whose contributions made Perryville’s rapid recovery possible.
The annual Alliance Awards recognize achievement and distinction among MPUA member hometown utilities.