Jefferson County Council Honors Al Barbagallo for 50 Years of Service
Rock Creek Public Sewer District leader recognized for five decades of volunteer stewardship and award-winning performance
HILLSBORO, Mo. The Jefferson County Council moved through a full agenda this week, highlighted by a proclamation honoring Alfred S. Barbagallo for fifty years of service to the Rock Creek Public Sewer District and a series of zoning, budget, and administrative actions.
The meeting opened with an invocation by Councilman Bob Tullock, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Council Chairman Tim Brown also recognized veterans and active duty military members in attendance before proceeding with roll call, confirming a quorum with all six members present.
A Half Century of Service
Councilwoman Lori Arons presented the proclamation, detailing how Barbagallo and other community leaders began organizing in the mid 1970s to address wastewater treatment challenges in Jefferson County. After repeated trips to Jefferson City, the Rock Creek Public Sewer District was formally created by a vote of residents on August 7, 1979.
Over the decades, the district expanded infrastructure, updated facility plans, purchased private utilities, constructed a modern treatment facility, and installed eighteen miles of sanitary sewers to meet the needs of the community.
The proclamation emphasized Barbagallo’s belief that safety comes first and that employees deserve a safe work environment and fair treatment. Under his leadership, the district earned statewide and national recognition.
The Rock Creek Public Sewer District has won the State of Missouri Wastewater Treatment Plant of the Year Award three times and the State of Missouri Biosolids Waste Management Award five times. It also received multiple safety awards and achieved sixteen consecutive years without a lost time accident.
Councilman Charles Groeteke described fifty years of volunteer service as a rare milestone, noting the board position is unpaid and that improvements were made without added burden to taxpayers.
Barbagallo credited teamwork for the district’s success, stating that working together is the only way to make things succeed.
Public Comment
During public comment, residents spoke on zoning matters and other county issues. One speaker raised concerns about oversight and transparency related to the county jail system. No action was taken on those comments during the meeting.
Zoning and Development
The council approved rezoning for the Bella Terra development after adopting an amendment requiring documentation verifying legal road access before development proceeds. The measure passed unanimously.
The Rockwood Meadows rezoning passed by a four to two vote following discussion about land use considerations and long term development planning.
Rezoning for HJ Enterprises from residential to planned industrial also passed unanimously.
A master plan update bill was removed from the agenda for further review due to concerns about contract status and needed updates.
Budget and Administrative Actions
The council approved a 2026 budget amendment reflecting additional grant revenue for the Parks Department through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
Members also adopted several resolutions involving board appointments, tax assessment corrections, surplus property disposal, financial reporting acknowledgment, and participation in a highway safety traffic grant program.
After completing its business, the council adjourned in under an hour. The lasting focus of the evening remained on Barbagallo’s fifty years of steady, volunteer leadership and the long term impact of that service on Jefferson County infrastructure.