Decatur City Council to Vote on Reorganization of Engineering and Street Departments

Strategic Insights -

Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling proposed the second reorganization of the Engineering and Street and Environmental Services departments in five years, aiming to improve efficiency in drainage and paving projects. The proposal, which was unanimously approved by the Personnel Board, would place the Street department under the city engineer and create a new department called Environmental Services and Maintenance, led by a solid waste director. The move is in anticipation of Street and Environmental Services Director Rickey Terry's planned Sept. 30 retirement.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed reorganization would combine the Street and Engineering departments, aiming to improve efficiency in drainage and paving projects.
  • The new department, called Environmental Services and Maintenance, would be led by a solid waste director, who would report directly to the mayor.
  • The city engineer, Carl Prewitt, would oversee both the Engineering and Street departments, and is expected to receive a 10% raise for taking on additional responsibilities.
  • The Personnel Board approved the proposal unanimously, which now goes to the City Council for final approval.
  • The city plans to hire an additional engineer to support the reorganization, which will require further approval from the Personnel Board and the City Council.
  • The administrative personnel would have to be redistributed among the departments, with Engineering and Environmental Services remaining headquartered at the current Street and Environmental Services offices.
  • The proposal aims to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and address low morale among employees.

Statistics:

  • 10%: The expected raise for Carl Prewitt, the city engineer, for taking on additional responsibilities.
  • $70,854-$107,082: The starting pay range for directors at the city, depending on experience.
  • Sept. 30: The planned retirement date of Street and Environmental Services Director Rickey Terry.
  • June 14: The start date of new Director of Development Dane Shaw.

Sources:

Source 1: "City Council to vote on department reorganization", **The Decatur Daily**, 2021 (no exact date mentioned).

Source 2: Decatur City Council meeting minutes, **The City of Decatur**, 2021 (no exact date mentioned).