Public Works Merger Would Save Six Figures, Administrator Says

The Borough is in the midst of restructuring a number of departments in an effort to streamline services and make the government more efficient.

The Council will vote on an ordinance Tuesday that would tuck the former departments of Fleet Maintenance and Buildings and Grounds under the umbrella of an expanded department of Public Works.

The most obvious savings from the merger would be on the salary of former Public Works superintendent Brian Koenig, who was earning $127,375 a year. His successor, , will collect the same salary that he did when he was superintendent of Fleet Maintenance, $113,492, while shouldering a bigger responsibility.

Earlier this month, the Council approved an ordinance that converts the department of Human Services into a division under the department of Health. Human Services was a one-person department.

"It was kind of a natural move," Joseph D'Arco, Borough administrator, said.

John Hopper, Borough health officer and the head of the newly expanded department of Health, believes the department, and the division of Human Services will be better able to serve residents under the new structure. Health and Human Services often serve the same clients, and Hopper said the combined department would be better able to coordinate those services.

For example, he said, Human Services is tasked with helping the needy and vulnerable residents of the Borough. Referring those residents to receive flu shots, a department of Health service, will be easier under the combined department.

D'Arco said in many governments, including the state government, health and human services are lumped together. D'Arco has several recommendations in mind to mesh other departments in the Borough's organizational structure.

The goal is to make the government more responsive to resident needs and in some cases, like in the department of Public Works, to save money.

"There's a lot of review occurring," D'Arco said. "Some of it still needs to be discussed by the Mayor and Council."

For more information on Tuesday's counci meeting, check the attached agenda.