Public works staff told the City of La Marque on Aug. 7 that licensed operator capacity at the city's water and wastewater facilities has strengthened in recent months, but that the department needs monitoring systems and equipment to keep pace with an expanding wastewater treatment program.

Why it matters: the city is building new lift stations and expanding its wastewater treatment plant; staff said the plant's capacity increase makes reliable monitoring, backup pumping capacity and experienced operators essential for regulatory compliance and to avoid sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs).

Bro Hottley, public works director, summarized operator licensing numbers: staff reported one dual B‑licensed operator (water and wastewater) working toward an A‑water license, a dual C operator working toward a B wastewater license, one C wastewater operator in progress toward dual certification, two D wastewater operators moving toward C certification, and one unlicensed trainee working toward a D wastewater license. Hottley said these internal promotions mean the city is training operators from within rather than hiring outside.

Staff told council the city currently lacks a complete SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system for the treatment plant. Hottley and other staff said SCADA would provide 24/7 remote monitoring and alarms for tank levels, pumps and key treatment parameters; he estimated an initial SCADA build for plant monitoring could cost roughly $400,000–$500,000, depending on scope.

Public works also flagged operational equipment needs: the department has only one 4‑inch dewatering pump after a larger 6‑inch pump was stolen; staff said frequent pump rentals cost roughly $1,500 per week and recommended buying at least one 4‑inch and one 6‑inch dewatering pump for on‑hand use. Hottley said theft and unsecured placement of rental pumps had been problems and urged a GPS/asset tracking program for higher‑value items.

Collection system staff told council the team currently has four field personnel (foreman, equipment operator and two maintenance workers) and recommended adding one additional field worker to reduce reliance on contractors, speed repairs and handle emergency calls. Hottley said one additional full‑time hire (entry level) would add roughly $37,440 in salary to the utilities budget and would reduce recurring contractor costs.

Hottley also asked council to authorize purchase of a modern sewer CCTV camera system. The city's current portable camera is limited; staff said new systems (300–600 feet capacity and digital recording) cost roughly $7,000–$18,000 depending on features and would let crews identify line breaks and blockages without unnecessary excavation and with fewer contractor calls.

What staff will do next: Hottley said the city will assemble a prioritized equipment list and refine cost estimates for SCADA, dewatering pumps and an upgraded camera unit and present those figures to the council as part of the budget review cycle. Staff also said they will continue training operators and will return with a staffing plan and projected costs if council wants to pursue the additional collection crew hire.

Ending: Council members asked for figures and options (purchase versus rental) so they could weigh near‑term capital purchases against recurring contractor costs and available funding sources.