Reorganization, distribution plan to begin in La Crosse, as public works dept. dismantles

Goal is to be done by end of year,
when current public works dir. retires

A challenge ahead for those trying to reorganize in La Crosse city hall.

Reorganization is the next step after the city council approved dissolving the city’s public works dept., this week. 

Now, a committee of city staff will work on a plan to distribute duties and responsibilities of the department while setting up a new chain of command.  

City council rep. Doug Happel was one who voted to eliminate public works. He says whatever upheaval happens should be minimal.

“It is important to recognize, though, that all the various departments that are being talked about are right now all under public works,” Happel said. “So it’s not like they’re being moved over to finance or human resources or the police dept. or the fire dept. They’re still in that area.”

The public works dept. oversees operations in water, sewer, parking, buses, streets and other areas. Don’t expect any failures in service, though, Happel believes. 

The current public works director retires at the end of the year. After which, the position will be eliminated. An interim director will be appointed by La Crosse Mayor Tim Kabat, if the reorganization isn’t complete by then.  

“Is it reasonable? Yes,” Happel said of the timeline. “Is it possible? Yes. Is it easy? No.”