Public Service proposes $203.6 million operating budget with focus on refuse, sidewalks and LinkUS preparations

Deputy Director Steve Wetzel presented the Department of Public Service’s proposed 2025 operating budget to the Columbus City Council, saying the department’s request totals $203,600,000, a 3.3% increase over 2024, and will fund about 900 full‑ and part‑time positions.

“Overall, in 2025, we have a proposed funding level of $203,600,000 for the Department of Public Service, which represents a 3.3% increase or $6,500,000 as compared to the 2024 operating budget,” Wetzel said. He described the department’s five divisions — refuse collection, mobility and parking services, infrastructure management, traffic management, and design and construction — and explained funding sources and priorities.

Why it matters: The Department of Public Service oversees core, citywide services such as trash collection, snow and ice control, roadway maintenance, traffic signals and curb‑ramp accessibility. Changes to service levels, funding allocations and capital planning affect neighborhoods citywide.

Funding sources and highlights

- Total proposed budget: $203,600,000 (3.3% increase). Wetzel said roughly 67% of funding comes from non‑general‑fund sources; $88,000,000 (43.2%) is from the Street Construction, Maintenance and Repair Fund (largely gas tax and license fees), while the general fund provides about $68,100,000 (33.4%) primarily for refuse…