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Utilities and public‑works union urges career ladders, equipment and in‑house capability for growing workload
Summary
Mike (or Mister) Spriggs, president of the utilities/public‑works union, told the Finance Committee that career ladders, updated vehicles and technology (including a recently acquired camera truck) are needed to keep work in‑house and avoid contracting out as development accelerates in Annapolis.
Mister Spriggs, president of the utilities and public‑works union (local 3406), spoke to the Finance Standing Committee on May 1, 2025, and asked the committee to prioritize career ladders, equipment and technology for utilities, streets and parks staff.
Spriggs said career ladders and lateral pay options are “critical” to recruitment and retention and that a lack of in‑house equipment forces the city to contract work that could be performed by city crews if proper vehicles and tools were available. He cited a recently funded camera truck used to inspect sewer lines as an example: when crews lack appropriate technology and vehicles, the city pays contractors for work Spriggs said could be kept in‑house with the right investment.
Why it matters: the union argued that recurring investment in equipment and concrete career pathways would reduce outsourcing, improve response time for public infrastructure repairs and retain experienced staff as the city grows.
Committee exchange and follow up
Council members and budget staff asked for more detail and lifecycle plans so recurring funding or capital replacement schedules could be included in future budgets. Spriggs said his teams interact daily with department leadership and urged the committee to consider the workforce and equipment needs as part of broader capital planning.
Ending: Budget staff noted career ladder funding for public works is included in the non‑allocated bucket and invited the department to submit schedules that would permit creation of recurring replacement funds for vehicles and specialized equipment.
