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DPW director warns highway crew is understaffed as Act 51 and grants are readied for repairs
Summary
DPW presenters said the highway crew is under-resourced (about 11 field workers vs. an estimated need of ~18), proposed highway salaries totaling about $979,032 and overtime of $150,000, and noted that many road-supply costs are reimbursed by Act 51 and that Safe Streets/Safe Routes grants are being finalized for budgeting.
The DPW presentation flagged staffing shortfalls and previewed street-repair funding. The DPW presenter said the highway group currently fields about 10–11 employees but recommended the department be budgeted for roughly 18 field staff over time to meet seasonal and emergency workloads.
On budget lines, staff presented the highway salaries at about $979,032 and an overtime estimate of $150,000; supplies (including cold patch and salt) and materials were explained as reimbursable through Act 51 major/local street funding. “That is funded … by Act 51 major local street funding and does not affect general funds,” the presenter said when describing road-supply accounting.
Staff also explained the city is carrying forward project work under grants such as Safe Streets for All and Safe Routes to School; those grant expenses will be added to next year’s budget once the exact incurred amounts are known. The presenter noted the administration will determine precise grant expenditures by July and bring any amendments or contract approvals to council.
Council asked about staffing numbers, the makeup of the supervisor on-call rotation, and the accounting treatment of reimbursable road costs. Presenter reiterated that contract approvals will determine the final fiscal impact of capital and grant projects, and said estimated fund balances are sufficient to support proposed spending pending council approval of contracts.
