Logo courtesy of Butte County

OROVILLE, CA (MPG) - Butte County supervisors has tapped Colusa County Public Works Director Daniel “Colt” Esenwein to head its department, pulling him from a position he has held for less than a year.

The board approved an employment agreement on April 28 that places Esenwein in the role, with a start date of May 29.

Under the contract, Butte County will pay Esenwein a base salary of $219,725, with annual increases tied to countywide wage adjustments. The agreement sets a 5 percent annual increase consistent with prior executive contracts, bringing his salary to about $254,359 by 2028.

Esenwein has led Colusa County’s Public Works Department since June 2025. He replaces Joshua Pack, who previously served as Butte County’s public works director before leaving to become Colusa County’s chief administrative officer.

Before his county appointment, Esenwein served as public works director for the City of Williams for four years and continues in that role in an interim capacity. 

Butte County Chief Administrative Officer Andy Pickett said Esenwein’s background in infrastructure and operations makes him a strong fit for the position.

“He is well prepared and well qualified to be the Butte County public works director,” Pickett said.

A registered professional civil engineer, Esenwein brings nearly 25 years of public works experience, including responsibility for roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems, solid waste, flood control and construction management. His work also includes disaster response and recovery, along with prior service in the United States Navy.

Esenwein told supervisors he plans to focus on accountability and delivery.

“My approach is simple, do the right thing, take care of our people and be accountable for results,” he said. “We’re stewards of public resources, and I’ll focus on clear priorities in their delivery.”

Interim Butte County Public Works Director Wendy Tyler will continue in the role while Esenwein finishes his duties in Colusa County, which include overseeing activities tied to National Public Works Week, scheduled May 17-May 23, under the theme “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community.”

In Colusa County, the week includes a Public Works Roadeo, set for May 20 at the Colusa County Fairgrounds. The event will feature city and county equipment competitions and community activities recognizing the workforce that maintains local infrastructure.