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DPW director urges more highway field staff and overtime funding; requests equipment and reallocated capital for operations
Summary
The Department of Public Works (Highway) requested additional field staff to reach a minimum of 16 field workers, asked to increase overtime funding, and proposed capital purchases (vacuum truck, small bucket truck, leaf/debris vacuum) to improve response to water main breaks, tree removal and street maintenance.
The city’s Department of Public Works (Highway) director presented staffing shortfalls, overtime pressures and capital needs for the highway division during the budget review. The director said the department currently budgets for 15 highway personnel but operates daily with fewer field staff; he recommended a minimum of 16 workers in the field (5 heavy operators, 5 light operators, and 4 laborers) to maintain basic services.
Staffing and recruitment: The director said hiring is difficult because the city’s wage levels are lower than neighboring communities, but retention is supported by pension and longevity packages. Council members urged HR to prioritize recruiting for full‑time positions; the director and council discussed increasing staff once hires are available rather than increasing the authorized headcount immediately.
Overtime: The department requested a significant overtime budget increase to reflect 24‑hour operations, storm response, and frequent water main breaks that have required highway staff to support water operations. Presenters noted that highway crews have been called to assist with hauling, traffic control, and material handling during major water events, so overtime is a recurring operational cost. Council suggested moving $50,000–$200,000 to overtime depending on available funds; the comptroller and director agreed to track overtime use and report results.
Capital and equipment: The director requested capital purchases to reduce manual labor and improve safety and response time—estimated needs included a crew leader van replacement, a leaf/debris vacuum (estimated $48,000), and a small bucket truck (estimate referenced at roughly $140,000). The director also described an opportunity to repurpose an existing chipper and noted fleet and equipment ages drive repair and maintenance costs.
Other operating items: Council and staff discussed increasing street sign and road‑supply budgets (cold patch and road material costs have risen), a new clothing/uniform program, and supplies for street sweeping and winter maintenance. The director reported initiating a fleet‑tracking system to improve fuel and vehicle use oversight and said some vehicle‑related costs are shared across funds for multi‑fund work.
Ending: Council asked the director to work with HR to fill existing positions, to prepare a tighter overtime control plan, and to return with specific purchase recommendations and quotes for capital items; council also approved small intra‑budget adjustments on the floor (e.g., minor transfers among supplies and clothing) during the discussion.
