Syracuse DPW Operating Budget Work Session - April 28, 2026

The Syracuse Common Council held a work session with the Department of Public Works (DPW) on April 28, 2026, to review the proposed operating budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27. The session, chaired by the Council Chair and attended by Councilors Helen Hudson, Donna Moore, Martinave, Core William, President Pennyower, and others, focused on staffing levels, utility cost increases, and a critical shortage of CDL drivers. Ann Ford, First Deputy Commissioner of DPW, presented the budget with bureau superintendents available for questions. The meeting ran from early afternoon to 2:01 PM.

Discussion Items

Budget Overview and Staffing Reductions

• DPW reduced several positions that were long vacant, including the assistant director of fleet operations (retirement) and three MEO positions in environmental services.
• Utility costs (gas and electricity) increased significantly, partly due to DPW taking on costs for the new police and fire building. Councilor Core Williams noted an approximate 80% year-over-year increase; staff clarified it reflected new buildings.
• The budget for contracted services (facilities manager) moved from engineering to DPW, accounting for a jump from $0 to $137,000.
• Street repair lost an assistant superintendent position (vacant) and the road reconstruction manager became vacant again; Kevin Henry, Chief Operating Officer, stated these positions are urgently needed.

CDL Driver Shortage Crisis

• DPW is short over 30 CDL drivers citywide, with Street Cleaning alone down 18 out of a typical 45 workers (nearly 50% vacancy).
• Starting wage for CDL drivers is $20.38 per hour. Kevin Henry noted that private contractor Barrett pays operators $80 per hour and laborers $45–50 per hour for the same work.
• Obstacles to recruitment include low pay, residency requirements (sanitation workers exempted by state law), insurance liability for accidents affecting personal licenses, and a narrow wage gap between laborers and drivers (about $2.24–$2.65 per hour difference even after years of service).
• Councilors expressed strong frustration, calling the wages insufficient for a living. Councilor Donna Moore and others urged exploration of sign-on bonuses and creative compensation.

Recruitment and Workforce Development

• DPW staff reported that job fairs yield few qualified applicants because entry-level CDL positions require a license. They have worked with CNI Works but found candidates unwilling to take a pay cut.
• Councilor Moore highlighted that many city residents seeking jobs are unaware of these openings and offered to connect DPW with nonprofit workforce development groups like Jubilee Homes (which offers CDL training). Staff acknowledged the need for better coordination with the Human Resources department.

Union Contract Negotiations

• Deputy Mayor confirmed that contract negotiations are underway with Local 400 and other unions. The administration has proposed cost-of-living adjustments and measures to widen the incentive gap between laborers and operators.
• Council members requested a briefing on the financial impact of various proposals. The Deputy Mayor agreed to share numbers offline and welcomed council input on creative solutions.

Traffic and Safety Concerns

• Councilor Martinave raised safety issues at Court Street and Grant Boulevard, where two stop signs replaced a former traffic signal. He requested a traffic study under Vision Zero, noting accidents and driver confusion.
• Councilor Hudson asked for improved visibility markers at traffic islands, such as at Hiawatha Boulevard and South Salina Street, where low curbs cause vehicles to bump.

Salt Supply and Operations

• The past winter had no statewide salt shortages, but prices continue to rise. DPW uses treated salt for temperatures below 20°F, though extreme cold still renders it ineffective.
• Councilor Cardwell inquired about liability for icy sidewalks near vacant properties; staff suggested enforcement via property taxes.

Other Budget Items

• Tipping fees increased by $6 per ton for waste disposal.
• Fleet fuel reimbursement from other entities (police, fire, housing, school district) is tracked within the Motor Equipment Maintenance budget.
• A line item for professional services in sanitation increased nearly fourfold (to $200,000) per direction from the Commissioner.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken; the session was informational.
• Council will hold a separate meeting with the Deputy Mayor to review union contract proposals and explore wage increases for CDL drivers and laborers.
• DPW will follow up on a traffic study for Court Street and Grant Boulevard.
• Council encouraged DPW to collaborate with local workforce development organizations to fill CDL vacancies.
• The budget review will continue in future sessions.