Public Works requests staff additions to support growth; FY26 operating budget $65.9 million

Public Works Director Jason Tchaikowski presented the department’s FY2025–26 proposed operating budget at the May 28 workshop, requesting $65.9 million for operations with $11.6 million from the general fund and a range of targeted staffing and contract requests to serve a growing city.

Tchaikowski described the department’s six divisions — administration, engineering, street maintenance, alternative transportation (including operating the local bus system and transit center), fleet services (an internal service fund supporting vehicle maintenance and replacement), and facilities services. He said fleet services is the largest component of the Public Works budget, funded via an internal service fund charged to city departments.

Specific FY26 staffing requests included: one street maintenance worker ($125,000) to maintain new storm drains; one fleet mechanic ($129,000) to service a larger vehicle inventory; one facilities project coordinator ($163,000) and one building maintenance worker ($119,000) to meet growing facility maintenance needs; one traffic signal maintenance worker ($100,000) for added signals; and conversion of an office assistant to an administrative technician ($36,000). Tchaikowski also proposed a $50,000 annual contract for electric vehicle charger maintenance to avoid hiring additional staff to support the EV fleet and charging infrastructure; he said most charger installations will be grant‑funded but require ongoing maintenance.

The total Public Works increase for FY26 was about $731,000, with a direct general fund cost of approximately $160,000 — described as less than a 1.5% increase in general fund support for Public Works. Tchaikowski said growth — additional assets and calls for service — is the major cost driver and that alternatives to hiring (like contracted EV charger maintenance) were considered where possible. No council votes occurred at the presentation.