The Fond du Lac Department of Public Works presented its proposed 2026 operations and capital budget to the City Council on Aug. 13, outlining investments in transportation, utilities, parks and wastewater resource-recovery projects.
Director of Public Works Mr. DeVries opened the presentation by noting the department's mission to "maintain the city's transportation systems, natural resources, and infrastructure in a professional cost effective manner," and he introduced division leaders who participated in the briefing.
Nut graf: The presentation detailed ongoing and planned capital projects — including the Lincoln and Thomas pump station construction, the biosolids dryer and RNG (renewable natural gas) work at the wastewater plant, movable vehicle barriers for downtown event security, Main Street resurfacing wrap-up, and stormwater studies and prioritized flood-mitigation work.
Highlights included: the Lincoln/Thomas pump station nearing above-ground construction; the wastewater division's biosolids dryer and RNG project entering construction and taking part in resource-recovery efforts; continued aggressive lead service line replacements guided by DNR funding; investments in park improvements (playground upgrades, ADA pathways) and replacements of transit vehicles (four fixed-route buses and paratransit units).
Cody, wastewater operations, said the city's renewable-energy and resource-recovery work produced a first sale of granules for export; DeVries called the Animox operation and the biosolids work examples of "resource recovery." Brian Grunewald's earlier audit presentation and high interest rates were referenced by staff as contributing to the city's stronger unassigned fund balance, which DeVries said supports capital planning.
Council members asked specific implementation questions: Mr. Schisler asked about eligibility for PFAS remediation funding in the state budget; staff said that program is generally targeted to affected communities and that Fond du Lac currently does not have PFAS contamination. On flooding, staff reported a consultant-led study for a pilot area is complete and that the work is costly; the city is exploring phased, smaller-scale projects to address localized flooding.
Discussion vs. decision: The presentation was informational; no votes were taken on the budget at this meeting. Staff signaled follow-up work and recommended capital items that will be considered in the formal budget adoption process.
Ending: City staff asked council members to review materials and prepare questions ahead of formal budget hearings planned later in the cycle.