Public Works highlights compost uptake, LED street‑lighting plan and water/sewer rate study

Rob Spruill, Public Works Director, presented the department’s FY26 operating priorities on Oct. 30, stressing maintenance of core services while advancing a multi‑year program of infrastructure and sustainability projects.

Spruill said staff will pursue a comprehensive upgrade of higher‑level arterial and parking‑lot lighting to LED, dark‑sky‑compliant fixtures and expects to pilot candidate fixtures before full procurement. The village maintains about 6,000 street lights and expects multi‑year costs for a phased replacement of higher‑level fixtures.

On solid‑waste programs, Spruill said the village’s curbside composting program participation is about 30% and staff are aiming for roughly 34% participation by the end of next year. The department is completing a waste characterization study and will use findings to design incentive‑based rate structures and public engagement to grow participation before considering a universal program.

Spruill also described fleet‑electrification steps and reported modest fuel‑cost savings, noting the department expects to track consumption and present trend data in future budget sessions. The water and sewer fund shows capital‑related increases in FY26 and staff plan a five‑year water and sewer rate study in early 2026 to align rates with capital and operating needs.

Trustees asked about grant funding and whether federal grant uncertainty would affect operations; Spruill said most grant funding the department receives is capital‑project related and that operational impacts are limited. He also flagged rising CPI linked adjustments in service contracts and noted some increases may appear in street‑lighting and environmental‑services operating lines.