Official: public-works crew smaller than decades ago; grant will fund two new DPW trucks for snow removal

An unnamed city official said the Department of Public Works (DPW) has far fewer employees than in past decades and that the city received a grant to buy two trucks intended to help with winter snow removal.

The official said DPW staffing declined from roughly 35 workers in the late 1980s to “like, 10 at the most” now, making upkeep of an increased number of properties difficult. The official said residents have helped with maintenance on some blocks.

The official said the city applied for and received a grant that will allow DPW to obtain two new trucks; the official emphasized the funding does not come from the city’s general funds. The official described the equipment as important for timely snow removal and for avoiding equipment breakdowns during winter operations.

Why it matters: Reduced DPW staffing, older equipment and growing maintenance demands can affect street upkeep and winter service levels. The official presented the grant-funded trucks as a partial response to equipment shortages.

Details and limits: The official did not specify the grant program name, award amount, delivery timetable for the trucks, or whether the grant covers maintenance or operational costs. The official described the grant as applied for and received and said the city council would accept the funding.

The remarks were given as an informational update; no formal procurement contract, budget amendment or acceptance vote was announced in the statement provided.