Geneva’s public works director warned Monday that further staffing reductions would mean fewer services as City Council reviewed a $9.3 million departmental budget covering everything from snowplowing and streetlights to drinking water and sewage treatment.
Council made no changes to the proposed 2027 budget during the workshop. Members requested more detail on equipment spending, questioned vehicle replacement practices and discussed whether temporarily delaying hires after retirements could help pay for a city grant writer.
The meeting continued a budget process centered on a proposed $33.97 million spending plan across the general, water and sewer funds, with a 3% property tax levy increase. Earlier departmental reviews examined police staffing and expenses, while a September public hearing drew one speaker who supported the proposed budget.
Public Works Director Joe Venuti said his department’s proposal covers eight divisions and 49.5 full-time equivalent positions. He described it as the cost of maintaining reliable services while managing aging equipment and infrastructure.
Fewer workers would mean fewer services
Responding to a hypothetical question about eliminating two highway maintenance positions, Venuti said the division has 5.5 full-time equivalent employees. Losing two would reduce that staffing by about 36%.
“It’s doable, but not practical or sustainable,” he said.
Possible consequences would include reduced street sweeping, slower vehicle repairs, delayed removal of dead animals and fewer responses to routine tree complaints. Venuti said he could recommend limiting transfer station services to yard waste and charging more for public works support at community events.
Emergency utility repairs and storm responses would remain priorities.
Mayor Jim Cecere said the discussion illustrated the consequences council must consider when looking at vacancies or staffing reductions.
“It means likely less service,” Cecere said.
Venuti said retirements are possible next year, but their timing is uncertain. The department already has a vacant mechanic position that has not been filled.
Council also examined electrical staffing. Venuti estimated that an additional electrician could cost roughly $100,000 annually with benefits, compared with approximately $99,000 spent on outside electrical contractors. Specialized contractors would still be needed for some work.
He said relying on one electrician presents safety concerns and requires borrowing employees from other divisions, delaying their regular assignments.
Aging lights, vehicles and buildings
Venuti said crews have repaired approximately 350 of Geneva’s 1,860 streetlights since 2023. The fixtures were converted to LEDs in 2017, but components that power them are failing.
The city continues seeking warranty replacements, although it has purchased parts when waiting would leave lights out longer.
A roughly $175,000 request to replace Maxwell Avenue’s lighting was deferred to limit debt. Venuti said buried wiring serving 14 lights is difficult to troubleshoot because crews cannot easily isolate damaged sections.
He also identified reconstruction of John, Folger and Rose streets as his priority if funding becomes available, citing documented utility problems and poor pavement. Completing the adjoining streets together would cost less than separate projects, he said.
Vehicle discussions focused on replacing equipment before repairs become uneconomical. Venuti said a sewer maintenance loader needs significant repairs, while a buildings and grounds van has severe corrosion.
Councilor Kane requested written explanations of differences between the equipment replacement plan and departmental budget lines. Venuti agreed to review those questions with the comptroller. Acting City Manager Taylor Youngs said some lines include smaller equipment and replacement parts beyond the larger purchases listed in the replacement plan.
Cecere also requested further review of take-home vehicles, with emergency response needs considered. Venuti said 11 supervisors and assistants, including himself, are permitted to take vehicles home.
Another concern was the aging elevator at the Genesee Street fire station. Venuti said a 2025 modernization estimate was $170,000, excluding possible additional work to meet current standards. Replacement parts are difficult to obtain, and the elevator has flooded twice, he said.
Lead pipe financing offers relief
Officials reported progress on financing Geneva’s lead service line replacement program, including state loan forgiveness for approximately $3.7 million the city had expected to repay.
Youngs clarified that Geneva would still need to borrow the money, with repayment forgiven upon project completion.
The financing schedule remains uncertain because the city cannot apply until March 2027. Venuti said planning discussions could begin in the second quarter of next year, while construction may extend into 2028 and beyond.
Venuti also defended deferring several wastewater pump replacements. The equipment has backup capacity, he said, allowing the city to postpone purchases barring unexpected failures. Cecere requested written documentation explaining the maintenance schedule and risks.
At the resource recovery park, Youngs said newly awarded grant funding would support an additional town employee under the existing operating arrangement. Venuti said that would not fully resolve his request for a city employee responsible for oversight.
Grant writer proposal could return
Councilor Lavin said he plans to propose a grant operation based in the city manager’s office, with responsibility for identifying opportunities, managing awards and completing required reporting.
Cecere supported examining the idea and asked staff to assess whether temporary delays in filling positions after retirements could help finance it.
No grant writer position or hiring delay was approved Monday.
The discussion reflects the broader challenge identified in earlier budget sessions: balancing the coming year’s spending while addressing Geneva’s longer-term financial pressures and limiting borrowing.
Council will continue reviewing the proposal before the city’s Oct. 31 budget adoption deadline.
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