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Council divided on hiring a full‑time public works director amid budget concerns
Summary
Council members and residents debated reinstating a public works director position; some argued the city needs a single point of contact to direct crews, while others said nearby cities operate without one and budget constraints make hiring difficult.
Council members and residents debated whether Cuba City should fill or reinstate a full‑time public works director position, balancing operational oversight against budget constraints.
Several speakers urged the city to replace the departed director promptly, arguing the role provides centralized direction for maintenance work and planning. One council member said, “the city needs a public works director, needs one badly,” and described many town maintenance needs that lack a single point of contact.
Other members and residents pushed back on immediate hiring because of budget limits. One participant said nearby cities manage without a public works director and that typical local salaries for the role are closer to $62,000 a year rather than $100,000, arguing the position need not be as costly as some expect. Staff noted nothing in the current FY25 budget funds a full-time public works structure and that unless cuts are made to create room in FY26, the city would have to make adjustments to afford the position.
The council did not adopt a final hiring decision; members agreed to continue discussions during upcoming budget planning to determine whether to fund the position or to authorize alternate staffing arrangements.
