About Us
The Public Works Department is responsible for providing quality public services in a timely, professional, efficient, and responsive manner with regards to the repair and maintenance of the city streets and drainage infrastructure, the city fleet of motor vehicles and equipment, collection and disposal of municipal solid waste, the enforcement of the public health, safety, and nuisance ordinances and minimum housing code. These services are to be provided in such a way that they promote a high quality of life for city residents, contribute to the safe movement of people and goods, and support economic development while protecting the environment, public health, and safety.
Our Mission
The mission of the Public Works & Water Resources Department is to provide quality public services in a timely, professional, efficient, and responsive manner and in such a way that they promote a high quality of life for city residents, support the growth and economic vitality of the Twin Counties, and contribute to the safe movement of people and goods while protecting the environment, public health, and safety.
Department Background
The Public Works & Water Resources Department is comprised of roughly 250 employees across 9 operating divisions responsible for maintaining and enhancing quality of life through the delivery of services essential to urban and suburban environments. The Divisions include Administration, Streets/Stormwater, Fleet Maintenance, Environmental Services, Community Code Enforcement, Water Treatment, Wastewater Treatment, Water & Sewer, and Technical Services. The department was created in July 2013 by combining two previously independent departments.
The Administration Division is responsible for oversight and management of the department, management of the city's Stormwater Utility, and for providing needed support to the various operating divisions within the department. The Streets Division, along with Stormwater Services (an enterprise fund), maintains the City's network of roadways, sidewalks, and drainage channels. Fleet Maintenance provides preventative maintenance and repair services for most of the City's vehicular fleet, including heavy equipment vehicles. Environmental Services provides weekly trash and recycling pickup to most City residences and businesses, as well as manages a solid waste transfer station used by residences, private solid waste haulers, and other businesses. Community Code enforces local regulations regarding the condition of property, works to mitigate blight and abandonment conditions that pose health and safety hazards, and monitors and neutralizes the presence of mosquitoes.
Water Treatment is responsible for the operation of two water treatment plants responsible for the production of potable water in compliance with permit requirements and state and federal regulations for domestic and commercial use both inside the city and for wholesale customers located outside of the city limits. The division is also responsible for the operation and maintenance of the booster pump stations and elevated water tanks required to maintain adequate water pressure within the system. The Wastewater Treatment Division is responsible for the operation of the Tar River Regional Wastewater Plant and for the treatment of domestic and commercial wastewater in accordance with state and federal guidelines for customers located inside the city and for a number of wholesale customers. The Water & Sewer Division is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the water distribution system and the sewer collection system (including sewer pump stations). These systems are responsible for the distribution of potable water to and the collection of wastewater from each of the city’s water and sewer customers. Finally, the Technical Services Division is responsible for ensuring that the plants operate in compliance with their corresponding permits and state and federal regulations and for oversight of the city's wastewater pre-treatment program for commercial and industrial customers.