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Holyoke—s DPW warns of staffing and equipment constraints as council weighs repairs, potholes and refuse needs
Summary
Interim DPW leaders told council Tuesday the department is operating below needed staffing levels, relying on contractors for tree work and running aging equipment; councilors and staff discussed prioritizing pothole repairs, yard hours and refuse upgrades pending grant awards.
Department of Public Works leaders told the City Council on June 9 that staffing shortages, aging equipment and limited capital funding constrain routine maintenance and major repairs across multiple divisions.
Interim DPW leadership said the Forestry Division lost tree-climbing positions and is supplementing with contracted services (about $150,000 budgeted) and anticipated ARPA funds for tree work. "The two tree climbing positions have been eliminated," the interim director said; the department has one forester on staff and uses contractors for higher-volume work.
Engineering is operating with one city engineer and a vacant senior civil engineer position; the…
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