Polk County Public Works outlines 2025 budget; requests two water‑resources positions, no new ongoing decision‑package funds

Brett Vanderloon, Polk County Public Works director, presented the department’s 2025 budget to the Board of Supervisors, saying estimated revenue is $12,700,000, requested expenses total $29,800,000 and current staffing is about 97.5 full‑time equivalent positions. Vanderloon told supervisors the department is not asking for new ongoing money tied to its decision packages and that some requests are offset by grants and program changes.

The department projects a 7.6 percent decrease in revenue driven by elimination of several prior‑year appropriations, Vanderloon said. Noted reductions include roughly $4.1 million tied to the prior‑year NFC major home repair program, about $2.5 million previously planned reimbursement related to the Burwick (also referred to as Berwick) bridge project, and nearly $900,000 in prior‑year EPA sustainability grant carryover. Vanderloon also cited smaller adjustments: an estimated $29,000 increase in permit charges and a $15,000 decision‑package revenue estimate tied to matching grant activity.

Why it matters: the Public Works budget funds roads, bridges, water and sewer projects, building permits and housing services that affect unincorporated areas and partner cities across Polk County.

Most of the department’s expense decreases reflect elimination of…