The emotions from the Caldwell County Commissioners were bittersweet as they honored and said goodbye to Grants Administrator, Dennis Engelke, who announced his retirement effective Nov. 1.
Engelke began his career in October 2018. While there, he increased the county’s grant portfolio from $2 million to approximately $43 million, “greatly decreasing the tax burden of the citizens in Caldwell County,” said Judge Hoppy Haden while reading a proclamation honoring Engelke.
Engelke, grateful to the commissioners for the recognition, recalled his career when it began.
“There wasn’t a grants department. I was hired and basically told to go forth and create a department,” Engelke said. “So, we created rules and guidelines and started looking for money.”
Engelke said every day he came to work mindful of who he works for – the taxpayers and residents of Caldwell County.
“My daily mantle was to stay focused on what is in the best interest of our residents,” Engelke said.
“Every grant dollar meant one less tax dollar we had to use for services, or it allowed us to expand existing services. We were able to repair more than 100 roads, bridges, and low-water crossings with grant dollars.”
“I appreciated working with Judge Haden and the Commissioners Court. They were open-minded, willing to take a risk, were innovative in allowing me to build the Grants Department from the ground up.”
A visibly emotional Judge Haden said he appreciated Engelke.
"Dennis has been much more than just the Grants Administrator to Caldwell County. He has taught us all the true meaning of honesty, integrity and strong work ethic," Haden said following the meeting. "Dennis is the big brother and mentor I never had and since the day I met him I have strived to be more like him.
"Dennis never had a negative thing to say about anything or anybody and he is an example to us all."
Trey Bailey, Executive Director of the Luling Economic Development Corporation, said Dennis has been a godsend to Caldwell County and to the City of Luling.
“From his days in high school as an officer in the FFA program, to his return to work as the Grants Administrator, he has shown exceptional leadership and community stewardship,” Bailey said. “He has been an exemplary Board Member on the Luling EDC and has brought a wealth of resources to the County and City. In addition, he is just a genuinely good guy and pleasant human being. He will be dearly missed but is very deserving of a happy retirement.”
Taking over for Engelke is Amber Quinley, who previously worked for Bastrop County. She accepted the position in October and is set to begin on Nov. 1.