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Councilors press DPW on why prior-year paving spending exceeded March agenda approval
Summary
Councilors questioned the Department of Public Works about a discrepancy between the March agenda approval amount and the total paving spending and miles completed in 2024; DPW cited rollovers from previous years and weather impacts.
Councilors pressed the Department of Public Works about differences between the amount approved on a prior March agenda and the city's total 2024 paving expenditures.
Anne Fordock, First Deputy Commissioner, Department of Public Works, said staff had received an email referencing that in 2024 the city spent $15,600,000 on paving: "Prior year, '24, we spent $15,600,000 We did 11 in house, and we contracted for another 7 miles." Councilor Gathers said the March 11 agenda from the prior year showed an approval of $8,400,000 and asked where the remainder came from.
Fordock and colleagues explained part of the difference came from rollovers of previously authorized money. "We had rollover from previous years," Fordock said. Department staff also cited weather and scheduling as reasons the city met a lower mileage goal than announced: a mayoral press release had noted a plan for 24 miles in the year, but 18 miles were paved. Fordock said, "We always run out of time with weather. So we set a goal and we try to meet that as best we can. But as you know ... Too much rain will impede things, but also in early winter, all kinds of things."
Councilors asked for clarification on the funding sources and schedules; Fordock agreed to follow up. No votes or formal reallocations were taken at the study session.
