9.
Public Works and Public Utilities presenting an overview of their tentative
departmental budgets for FY 26-27.
Brian Kelley, Administrative Services Director, introduced the item and spoke on the
proposed merger of the Public Works and Public Utilities Department merger. He
reviewed the proposed organizational chart of the merged departments which included
one department head, a water rights specialist, and four divisions. He spoke about the
cross-training of employees and the streamlining of staffing positions.
Ryan Kump, Public Works Director, provided a general overview of the tentative budget for
FY 2027 of the current Public Works Department and then would present on the impact
of the proposed merger of the two departments. He reviewed budget requests and budget
cuts proposed for FY 2027. He spoke about reductions to the "snowy day fund",
restricted capital projects, waste collection expense increases and proposed waste
collection fees. There are no proposed changes to bulk waste fees and he spoke about
the impact and efficiencies of the transfer station. He reviewed fleet replacement needs
and requests. Mr. Kump also spoke on the proposed merger and the resulting efficiencies
with staffing, fleet and facilities needs. Council questions and comments occurred
throughout the presentation.
Tom Ward and Myrna Groomer, Public Utilities, provided an overview of the Public
Utilities proposed budget for FY 2027 for Water, Storm Water and Street Lighting. She
reviewed department revenue sources and expenses and FY 2027 requests for on-going
and one-time needs. Budget increases include higher costs for training, postage,
software, audit services, sample testing, treated water purchases, grant costs, and
building maintenance. One-time budget requests included the purchase of a 2 ton dump
truck, replacement vehicles and transport truck savings contribution. Ryan Kump
mentioned that a fleet review of the proposed combined departments would occur to
determine the department fleet needs. Ms. Groomer reviewed increased costs associated
with capital project improvements which totaled approximately $3.8 million. Council
questions and comments occurred throughout the presentation.
Richard Benham, Public Utilities reviewed asset management for the Public Utilities
Department. In the past three years, the department has completed $11 million dollars in
capital improvement projects and have $4.3 million dollars under contract for main line
replacement. He also spoke about the five-year plan and funding needs for capital
improvements and main line replacement. He reviewed projects that are currently under
contract that include a trailer mounted generator and a pad mounted generator at
Pepperwood to meet the needs if the power goes out. He also reviewed the waterline
breaks along 9400 South. As pipes age, water breaks occur and need replacement. He
also reviewed capital projects planned for storm water and street lighting. Council
questions and comments occurred throughout the presentation.
Following the presentations, Council moved to the Consent Agenda.
Consent Calendar
A motion was made by Brooke Christensen, seconded by Brooke D'Sousa to
approve the Consent Calendar...The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote.
