Public Works presents 2026 budget, highlights movable barriers, lead line work and biosolids/rng projects

The Fond du Lac Department of Public Works presented its 2026 budget to the City Council on Aug. 13, laying out operations, capital investments and several multiyear utility projects. Director of Public Works Paul DeVries and division managers described planned work on street resurfacing, movable vehicle barriers for downtown events, continued lead-service-line replacement and construction to support renewable natural gas (RNG) and a biosolids dryer at the wastewater plant.

DeVries opened the presentation by reading the department mission and introducing division leaders. He said the department’s personnel are a major portion of costs (117 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees) and noted that Water Works and wastewater operations are ratepayer-funded, not supported by the general tax levy. He told the council the fleet, street, and park functions carry major capital and operational workloads.

Among specific items DeVries highlighted: • Movable vehicle barriers: staff requested funding in the 2026 CIP to purchase additional movable barriers used at events such as the farmers market to secure downtown streets. • Main Street resurfacing: crews are nearing project completion after an all-hands effort coordinating with businesses and communications staff. • Lincoln and Thomas pump station: above-ground construction is progressing; staff designed the facility to better fit the neighborhood. • Lead service lines: Water Works has accelerated replacement work this year and expects to continue for at least two more years while DNR funding is anticipated to remain available. • Wastewater resource recovery: construction started on a biosolids dryer and an RNG project; DeVries said the projects turn plant residuals into usable resources. • Transit: the city received four new fixed-route buses and a paratransit bus; staff noted the microtransit option was cost-prohibitive in initial study but that alternative service options remain under consideration.

During Q&A, Councilor Schisler asked about state money in the budget for PFAS remediation and whether the city would be eligible for grants. Public Works staff responded that the emerging-contaminants funding applies primarily to communities with confirmed emerging contaminant issues and that PFAS remediation programs target affected areas. On street flooding, DeVries confirmed a consultant study is underway for at least one study area and staff are evaluating how to phase costly projects and pursue smaller mitigation projects where feasible.

No formal council action was required; the department presented informational material and the council asked follow-up questions. DeVries said the department will continue design and construction work and return with budget and implementation details as projects advance.