Sanitation and highway chiefs warn of driver shortages, bulk-waste overload and rising fuel costs

Public-works leaders told commissioners that staffing shortages and recent fuel-price spikes are straining sanitation and road operations.

Sanitation managers said fuel costs nearly doubled month-to-month and that the department is short several CDL drivers, forcing reassignments from brush crews to ensure daily garbage pickup. As a result, brush and bulk-waste routes are behind schedule. Officials noted heavy bulk-waste volumes and said current brush trucks were not designed for heavy construction debris, accelerating wear and brake problems.

The sanitation team requested capital funding to replace older trucks, including an automated side loader and a smaller non-CDL truck to replace the aging recycling truck; they also asked for additional consumables and personal protective equipment. The highway department requested attachments for paving and snow operations and asked to replace two aging Sterling dump trucks that have required repeated, costly repairs; staff said Sterlings are difficult to service because replacement parts are no longer readily produced.

Officials urged the commission to consider longer-term structural options for bulk-waste handling: moving to an enterprise fund that charges households directly, adjusting collection rules, or examining privatization for some services. Commissioners acknowledged the problem's complexity and asked staff to develop costed options that show fiscal and service tradeoffs.

No changes were approved at the hearing; staff were asked to return with more detailed proposals and cost estimates for fleet replacements and alternative service models.