Why are Public Works projects sent to outside consultants for design and project management?
This work should be done in-house by PW staff. The Engineering Division of Public Works currently has 47 active projects with a total project value of over $1.4 billion. Preliminary engineering, environmental, final design, and construction management services are contracted, because a number of these projects are very complex (Highway interchange projects and highway mainline widening) and require specialized engineering skills. Consultant assistance is required for the volume, magnitude, and complexity of these projects. The engineers in Public Works perform the project management function. The current budget challenges are revenue shortfalls in the General Fund. These projects are not funded by the General Fund. 45. In regards to question 30, if the positions weren’t filled, why do we have a number of acting department heads? The positions vacated by those in “acting positions” have not been filled. 46. With regards to the 2008-’09 budget review, is anyone talking about realigning c
