Dawson County Public Works asks commissioners for project manager, crews and new road-management tools in 2026 budget

At a Dawson County Board of Commissioners budget hearing, Public Works Director Robert Drury requested a new assistant public works director for capital projects, an on‑site construction monitor, a three‑person hand crew and funding for a pavement condition index and other capital needs to help manage a growing slate of construction and maintenance work.

Drury said the county "are overwhelmed with capital projects, transportation, gymnasiums, park parks and rats, trails" and that the department lacks an in‑house staff member to manage projects "from concept to, to completion." He described the requested role as a capital‑projects manager rather than a licensed county engineer: "In most communities, this person is the county engineer, but I don't believe we need an engineer. Certainly don't need a PE, and we don't need to pay the price of the PE." Commissioner and staff discussion during the hearing raised the possibility of advertising a professional engineer (PE) as preferred if the position is funded.

Why it matters: commissioners will decide whether to shift project management in‑house or continue relying on consultants. Drury and other presenters said local control of timing, oversight and long‑term succession planning…