For more than 20 years, Public Works Director Paul Brazil has occupied one of the most important and high-profile posts in Palm Beach’s town government.
Brazil, whose retirement was announced earlier this year, will spend his last day as public works director on Friday, July 10. He’ll be succeeded by Jason Debrincat, who joined the town in 2017 as senior project engineer and was promoted to assistant department director.
Brazil joined the department as project engineer in December 2000 and was named director in April 2004.
He presided over an operation with a $23.9 million operating budget and 81 employees. Of the town’s nine departments, public works is the third largest by personnel and second largest by budget size, according to the town.
It is responsible for management of town infrastructure, the coastal protection program, hurricane response, the sanitary sewer and stormwater system, drinking water, street lighting and traffic control, and support services including fleet maintenance and waste collection.
Major capital improvements managed by the Public Works Department have included reconstruction of the Town Marina and the ten-year, townwide conversion to underground utilities.
Town Manager Kirk Blouin told the Palm Beach Civic Association Tuesday that Brazil’s impact is evident in all corners of Palm Beach – its infrastructure, beautiful public spaces, and the delivery of services residents count on every day.
“His professionalism, humility, and steady, solutions focused leadership have guided the town through major challenges and daily operations alike, leaving a lasting legacy of integrity and excellence,” Blouin said.
Over the years, the town staff and elected officials have relied on Brazil for his depth of experience and clear, well-reasoned advice.
“He’s able to summarize complex issues with factual information that is not necessarily emotional or opinion-generated,” Blouin said.
Mayor Danielle Moore and Town Council members recognized Brazil for his years of service at his final council meeting on June 9. Moore thanked Brazil for “showing me the ropes” when she became the town’s chief elected officer in 2021.
“There is so much technical stuff your average Joe would never know,” Moore said during a follow-up interview. “We depend a lot on Paul and his team. Not only are they incredibly talented, but Paul came from the private sector first, so he knows both sides of the equation.”
During an interview with the Civic Association, Brazil credited his staff for the department’s accomplishments. “I have had the pleasure of working with the best people in the world, here at public works,” he said.
Michael Pucillo, Civic Association chairman and a former Town Council president, said Brazil “did a masterful job” as leader of one of the town’s most important departments.
“He was always knowledgeable about the issues, provided sound advice to elected officials and always understood how projects affected residents,” Pucillo said. “He will be missed.”
Like Brazil, Debrincat honed his skills in both the public and private sectors. In Palm Beach, his duties have included site management of the highly successful Town Marina renovation, a $38 million undertaking completed in 2021.
During the last five years, Brazil and Town Engineer Patricia Strayer have helped prepare Debrincat to take the helm.
“Jason has been an integral part of all engineering projects – water, sewer, and roadway systems – and has gained strategic exposure to budgets, staffing, and interdepartmental relations,” Blouin said.
Debrincat will have a capable staff standing behind him, he said.
“The culture they have created in this department is exceptional and the team is very strong,” Blouin said.
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