Memorandum
Date: October 21, 2025
To: Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Eddie Crandell, Chair, Lake County Board of Supervisors
Subject: Consideration of the Establishment of an Ad-Hoc Committee Regarding the Public Works Department
As Chair of the Board of Supervisors, I recommend the establishment of an ad-hoc committee to consider options for the organizational structure and direction of the Lake County Public Works Department.
Public Works is a critical service provider for our residents, with wide-ranging responsibilities including road maintenance, airports, engineering, surveying, capital projects, central garage, and related public infrastructure functions. In light of the ongoing recruitment challenges at the director, deputy director, and engineering management levels, it is timely to consider whether the current arrangement is best positioned to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and long-term stability.
The proposed ad-hoc committee would review how the department is currently organized, explore alternatives, and provide recommendations to the Board.
Establishing this committee will provide a structured and focused process to ensure Public Works is well-positioned to meet Lake County’s infrastructure and service demands, both now and in the future.
If not budgeted, fill in the blanks below only:
Estimated Cost: __________ Amount Budgeted: Additional Requested: ________ Future Annual Cost: ________
Purchasing Considerations (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☒ Fully Article X.- and/or Consultant Selection Policy-Compliant (describe process undertaken in “Executive Summary”)
☐ Section 2-38 Exemption from Competitive Bidding (rationale in “Executive Summary,” attach documentation, as needed)
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Consistency with Vision 2028 (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☒ Well-being of Residents ☒ Public Safety ☒ Disaster Preparedness, Prevention, Recovery
☒ Economic Development ☒ Infrastructure ☒ County Workforce
☒ Community Collaboration ☒ Business Process Efficiency ☐ Clear Lake
Recommended Action: Approve the Establishment of an Ad-Hoc Committee Regarding the Public Works Department