DPW Administration
City of Somerville FY22 Budget
Mission Statement and Core Function
To maintain the City’s infrastructure and guarantee a clean and safe environment for all. The Department of Public Works (DPW) administers and oversees the City’s lights and electrical lines, streets and public ways, city-wide vehicle fleet including Police, Fire, DPW and all City departments, refuse removal, environmental improvement programs, public buildings and grounds, parks and playgrounds, snow removal, open spaces, and school custodial services. The DPW Administration team oversees all personnel and financial matters related to the department.
Personal Service Changes
Personal Services are projected up 4% for FY22.
Changes in salaries are due to negotiated collective bargaining agreements and merit increases based on annual performance reviews.
Ordinary Maintenance Changes
The Ordinary Maintenance budget is proposed at a 4% reduction for FY22.
The primary reason for this is the transfer of the Hazardous Waste Removal line to the Sanitation Division.
This reduction is offset by increases to various lines to return to pre-COVID funding levels along with adjustments to lines based on historical performance and projected needs.
This also includes $18,000 in the Employee Training Courses line as the department accelerates staff training for employees related to plowing, driving, and using specialized equipment.
FY22 Goals & Measures of Progress
Goal 1: Continue to update the DPW website to enable vendor and community relations and transition to paperless practices where possible including electronic archiving for retention of records such as invoices.
- Create online customer satisfaction surveys, online payment options, and showcase community engagement efforts on the DPW website.
Goal 2: Create best practices for encumbrances which represent the reserved commitment of funds arising from purchase orders.
- Publish and implement best practices documentation.
Goal 3: Create metrics to improve services for the City by analyzing the volume of vendor email communications with DPW including when and how DPW responds.
- Number of metrics analyzed on a regular basis related to vendor email communications.
Goal 4: Provide training opportunities for Admin & Clerical Staff and for employees who operate vehicles and other large equipment.
- Number of trainings offered to staff.
FY22 Budget
