Brian Jackes taking over as Belmont public works director

BELMONT — Director of Public Works Craig Clairmont has made the decision to retire this year, leaving the department after 17 years of service.

Assistant Director of Public Works Brian Jackes will take over the lead position, ensuring a seamless transition for residents.

“I’ve been here for five years, and I’ve learned a whole lot from Craig,” said Jackes in a phone interview. “I’m pretty prepared to keep the department going the way it has been.”

As the year comes to an end, public works will remain busy with ongoing projects, including at the intersection of Middle Route and Hoadley Road, and maintaining smooth road surfaces as allocated, in the budget.

“The Middle Route project, because voters voted it in, should be completed within the next couple of weeks, actually,” Jackes said.

The Middle Route project is near completion and includes tree work, upgrades and replacements to drainage areas, and pavement reclamation work.

In October, Jackes was named the 2025 Town Employee of the Year. According to the town newsletter, “Brian was nominated along with seven other Town of Belmont employees for 2025 Employee of the Year. All nominations are made by town employees.

“Brian was recognized for his positive team-player attitude, high work standards, dependability, reliability and leadership skills. He successfully obtained two grants for the town for two new trucks, and is also willing to do anything that needs to be done.”

Jackes is humble when it comes to his recent accolades, saying it’s really a team effort of town staff.

“I didn’t expect that.”

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Katlyn Proctor can be reached at katlyn@laconiadailysun.com or by calling 603-524-0150.