DPW is facing critical staffing deficits. Here is why: The DPW is currently down nine positions, representing one-third of its overall workforce. 3 positions frozen 4–5 years ago.4 positions eliminated entering FY27.2 active unfilled vacancies.Impending Retirements: Two veteran employees with over 30 years of dedicated service each are retiring (one between present day and April; another by May 2027).Water/Sewer Division: Down two employees, though one new hire was successfully onboarded under enterprise funding (non-city general tax funds).
The DPW completed Q1 of the fiscal year with several key operational accounts severely overspent or underfunded:Fleet Repairs and Maintenance: Budgeted at $200,000. **68% of funds have been expended** ($136,000 spent; ~$64,000 remaining). Aging fleet vehicles are driving unsustainable repair costs.“We are either going to have to start parking vehicles which is going to affect snow plowing operations or we’re going to be in a deficit for maintenance repairs… I will not have that luxury this year to be able to fund [transfers] because the positions have been cut.” — Director Arnold, DPW
- Road Maintenance: Historically funded at $120,000 annually, the line item was slashed to $50,000 for FY27. Only **$10,000 remains** for the rest of the fiscal year.
- Vehicle Fuel: Budgeted at $255,000 for the entire city fleet (Police, Fire, DPW). While Q1 spending is slightly under 20%, winter operations and high diesel fuel costs ($5–$6/gallon) are projected to push the account into a deficit.
- Playground Maintenance: $0 in funding allocated for the current fiscal year,
- Projected Shortfall: Director Arnold forecasts an unavoidable $100,000+ general DPW operational budget shortfall before accounting for winter snow and ice operations.
Public Service Committee Reviews Abatements, DPW Staffing Shortage, Critical Infrastructure, Engineering and City Projects
Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Gardner Magazine has 3 infographics below which detail items from the meeting. Here’s a summary of what went on in in the 1 hour session:
Engineering & City Projects: The Engineering Department reported progress on the Route 140 pedestrian bridge right-of-way approvals, the completion of safety modifications at the Uptown Rotary, delays on temporary speed cushion testing due to Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) environmental review processes, and the submission of a grant application for a feasibility study regarding the removal of the Ben Pond Dam.
Water and Sewer Abatements: The committee reviewed five private and commercial abatement petitions. Credits or rate adjustments were granted in cases where water leaks did not enter the municipal sewer system (e.g., severe exterior hose freezes and commercial demo-site fixture sticks), while ongoing residential leaks were given conditional interest freezes pending official Department of Public Works (DPW) diagnostic inspections.
DPW Severe Operational & Financial Strain: DPW Director Arnold presented a stark financial and operational assessment. The department is operating short by nine staff positions—representing a one-third reduction in workforce—with major retirements pending. Budget line items are heavily depleted at the end of the first quarter: 68% of the vehicle repair and maintenance budget has been spent due to aging equipment, and road maintenance funding has been reduced from $120,000 to $50,000 (with only $10,000 remaining). An overall DPW operational budget shortfall of at least $100,000 is projected for the fiscal year.
Critical Infrastructure & Compliance: Mandatory state and federal compliance actions are underway. The city faces DEP mandates to remove two decommissioned underground fuel storage tanks at the DPW facility (estimated at $40,000 to $100,000+), which has been referred to the Finance Committee. Additionally, a $5.9 million EPA-mandated nitrogen upgrade at the wastewater treatment plant is being funded through $4.6 million in grants and a requested $1.3 million loan order.
Next Scheduled Public Service Committee Meeting: November 5 at 8:15 AM.
