Oliver pointed to WMU's $55 million consent decree with the federal Environmental Protection Agency and growing demand for water. He said WMU has major issues to tackle.
"My concern is for the general public, the consumers, the employees of WMU and positioning this place (Winchester) for the future," he said. "We need to give back to the communities that we have worked in and provided us a living, and this is my way of giving back."
Yeiser served as chairman from October until his death in April. In total, he worked on the commission for more than 14 years.
WMU General Manager Vernon Azevedo said Yeiser was the longest serving member in WMU's history, back to 1958.
On Thursday, the commission honored his life and work with a resolution, and Azevedo recalled his accomplishments at WMU, including leadership on the main replacement program, system development charges, privilege fees, Clark County GIS and construction of the Strodes Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.
"Certainly everyone recognizes what a loss to this family and this community (there has been) with Gerry's passing," Azevedo said.
With Yeiser's death, Oliver said, he lost a "close friend."
Also elected Thursday, Commissioner Mike Anderson will serve as vice chairman, Commissioner Margaret Seals will serve as secretary, Commissioner Hap Cox will serve as treasurer, and Commissioner William Baker was appointed to be WMU's representative on the Clark County GIS board.
Contact Mike Wynn at mwynn@winchestersun.com.
