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El Dorado County DOT seeks staff and equipment for Tahoe basin snow removal
Summary
DOT told supervisors it lacks the full staffing and equipment it needs in the basin to meet 24–48 hour plow targets. The department requested Measure S and general‑fund supported rentals, extra help positions, and operating funds for FY26–27 to shore up winter operations.
El Dorado County Department of Transportation presented a biannual snow‑removal update on staffing shortfalls and equipment needs Friday, asking the Board of Supervisors to budget for rental equipment, extra help positions and operating materials for the 2026–27 season.
"In order to effectively do this, we need a minimum of 26 full‑time employees," Nathan Haynes, DOT maintenance and operations lead, told the board. "Currently, we have 15 full‑time employees in the basin and rely on extra help hires and rental loaders to meet demand." Haynes said the department budgets for severe winters but has difficulty retaining seasonal extra help as construction work resumes in milder winters.
Haynes outlined pending FY26–27 requests: rental loaders ($250,000), upfits for new plow/sander trucks ($250,000), funding for 10 extra‑help full‑time seasonal positions ($337,000) and $475,000 for operating supplies (sand, salt, snow stakes, tire chains and rental housing for seasonal crews). DOT also plans to procure an additional mountain blower funded by Measure S.
Supervisors and staff discussed prioritizing plow zone order and using West Slope staff to supplement basin crews. Haynes said the county already brings West Slope crews north and provides rental housing so crews can work in the basin during storms.
The presentation was informational; no formal action was taken. DOT said it will begin recruitment in July and return with updates at a future South Lake Tahoe board meeting.
