Public Works

Utilities and Maintenance Department

Workforce Capacity - The department remains two members short as we approach summer. We will fill one position ASAP. Candidates are currently being interviewed. Additional personnel are needed form mowing as well as routine maintenance responsibilities. The need increases as spring and summer events occur. We recognize that there are some delays in executing work orders, whether they be for potholes or water line issues because of the shortage of personnel, but please know the crew is working as hard and fast as possible to address the needs of citizens.

Streets:

• Repairs - The Maintenance Department responds to concerns about streets as rapidly as possible and this practice will improve as we reach full staffing level.  It is important to understand utility companies have easements in and next to all city streets. These easements allow them to repair gas lines, electric transmission lines, or fiber optic lines which are buried under the city street. Utilities often use contractors to conduct this work, and many times the contractors either fail or delay the repair the street after the repair has been completed. Ultimately, the street repair is the responsibility of the utility company. This is not the responsibility of the city. When the city becomes aware of a problem area created by the utility contractor, we notify the utility company and contractor that the repair needs to be made. Street repairs needed because of water and wastewater line repairs in city streets completed by the city crew of a contractor employed by the city are always completed immediately after the repair. If you have a question/concern regarding a specific street which needs repair, please call city hall and ask to speak with the Public Works Director. This is much more effective than posting your concern on social media.
  ‍
• Resurfacing – Staff is obtaining estimates for resurfacing/rebuilding Franklin Street. Franklin street is great disrepair and will need to be reconstructed. There is also interest in developing property adjacent to Franklin Street which makes this a higher priority.  Funding for this project was not budgeted for this year, but staff will be working with Council to attempt to identify available funds for the project.

Water Plant – All repairs recommended in the recent TCEQ inspection have been completed. Below you will find a portion of the letter submitted to the inspector, by Anthony Dulas our water plant operator.
“In response to track no. 829874, the City of Mount Vernon (the City) has successfully contracted a company to build the sign previously discussed with you. The sign was installed on April 1, 2026. Pictures will be attached to this email. Track no. 938550, the City has contracted vent screens replacement on both Elevated Storage Tanks with this year’s tank inspections. These were completed on March 25, 2026. Pictures will be attached to this email.
Track no. 938552, the city has completed a NAP plan that will be attached with this email. An updated monitoring plan will be submitted to TCEQ for review and record by April 30th, 2026.” A picture of the sign at the lake intake is attached.

Wastewater Plant – Our wastewater operator and public works director continue to work with our engineers refining the proposed design of the wastewater plant expansion. The city is fortunate to have experienced operators and directors who can provide engineers practical insight on the operation of proposed designs. This experience ensures the best possible outcome for the project and saves money.