“City Government 101” is an ongoing series that debuted in April 2023 and highlights different aspects of municipal government as it pertains to Columbus, Nebraska, in hopes to provide information on how the City of Columbus operates.
Every City of Columbus department head was recently asked some questions in regard to their department, the current fiscal year budget and plans for their department in the upcoming fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2023-Sept. 30, 2024). The Street Department falls under the leadership of the public works director.
DEPARTMENT: Street
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Chuck Sliva
(Interview conducted in September 2023)
Q: How many people are in your department?
A: The Street Department has 19 Staff members.
Q: How long have you been head of your department?
A: 6 years
Q: How do you think things went for your department in fiscal year 2022-2023?
A: Fairly well, never enough time in the day or the help needed to complete everything.
Q: What were at least two of your department’s biggest accomplishments in the last fiscal year (and why)?
A: 1, Getting started on storm sewer cleaning. 2, Getting started on the pedestrian crossing project.
Q: What are some of the problems your department faced in the last fiscal year and how did you overcome them?
A: Supply chain issues and high cost related to most everything needed.
Q: What are at least 3 major things you’re wanting your department to accomplish in fiscal year 2023-2024 and how is the new budget going to improve that?
A: 1, That all staff work in a safe manner and go home at the end of each day. 2, Completion of all CIP (Capital Improvement Projects) projects. 3, to complete all operations in a fiscal responsible manner. Hopefully, proper planning of the budget we can complete everything within the budgeted amount.
Q: What can the public expect from your department in the next fiscal year?
A: Trustworthy service and to be fiscally responsible with public resources.
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