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Fairview commissioners prioritize Public Works staffing and equipment; manager says one hire is possible in current budget
Summary
Public Works managers asked for one additional staff member, a salt bin and equipment such as a dump truck and bucket truck. Staff said the proposed budget could support one hire conservatively and that the dump truck is included in the plan.
Public Works staffing and equipment needs were a focus of the Fairview budget workshop as commissioners pressed staff about overtime, routine mowing and fleet replacements.
Todd, a Public Works staff member who spoke at the meeting, identified a salt bin as a top priority and said crews also need a reliable bucket truck for tree trimming and other uses. Commissioners noted the city’s current dump truck is in the proposed budget and asked about opportunities to acquire a bucket truck through programs such as LISO (as mentioned in the workshop).
Commissioners and staff discussed contract mowing versus bringing mowing in‑house; staff said contract mowing has been less expensive than in‑house only when accounting for employee recruitment and capital costs, but the city may be able to bring mowing back in‑house eventually. The presentation showed contract mowing expense was moved from the facilities fund into the general fund operating budget for transparency.
On staffing, Daugherty said the conservative current budget shows a surplus of just under $90,000 and that he could add one Public Works position in the amended budget process; he said he was reluctant to budget on anticipated revenue increases but that adding one position is feasible “conservatively.” Commissioners urged prioritizing the hire to reduce forced overtime and help with seasonal trimming and chipping.
No formal personnel action was taken during the workshop. Staff said they will consider the hire in the amended budget and will return with modeled scenarios if revenues improve.
