HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works Departmental Budget PresentationCity of Virginia Beach
Proposed FY 2026-27
Department of Public Works
LJ Hansen, Director of Public Works
April 21, 2026
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Trends & Issues
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•Public Works is working to identify and implement technology-based solutions and data-informed-
decision-making.
•The ability to utilize collected data is limited by technology implementation and staffing constraints.
•Technology efforts require dedicated staff, time, funding, support, training, and documentation, which
are a high priority for the department.
Technology Implementations
and Improvements
•Parking Management launched the Resident Parking Voucher Program on April 1, 2026.
•The program will provide eligible residents vouchers for discounted or complimentary parking in
designated areas at the Oceanfront.
•Parking Management is also implementing a more customer-focused parking availability and payment
system.
Parking Initiatives
•Construction bids are rising due to market volatility, labor shortages, and material cost escalation.
•To keep critical infrastructure work moving forward, funds often must be transferred between projects.
Market Conditions and CIP
Costs
•In 2025, the City of Virginia Beach extended its Use and Support Agreement with SPSA for 25 years.
•SPSA and Commonwealth Sortation are negotiating alternative waste disposal plans that will extend the life
of the Regional Landfill in Suffolk through 2095.
•The City does not anticipate continuing third-party recycling collection contracts past 2028 and will instead
use SPSA’s single-stream collection and disposal services.
Waste Disposal Southeastern
Public Service Authority
(SPSA)
Major Budget Changes – General Fund
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•Additional funding will be utilized to maintain service levels across City departments in the face of rising energy costs over the
past five years.
Additional Funding for City Buildings Utilities - $2,185,682
•Several new custodial positions were added in FY 2025-26 to accommodate the addition of multiple buildings.
•This increase funds the necessary additional custodial supplies which were not included in the FY 2025-26 budget
Additional Funding for Custodial Services - $200,000
•The 6-person Special Event Team will provide dedicated support to manage the growing special event demands across the City.
•The Team will provide resources for traffic control, temporary work zones, special events, and support for the Traffic Signs
Shop.
Special Events Support Group 3.0 FTEs - $999,973 ($800,000 one-time)
Major Budget Changes – TIP Fund
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•Public Works will purchase an additional tractor and beach cleaner to support the
growing number of events at the beach.
•This equipment will also add a contingency in the event that the current tractor goes
down for maintenance
Additional equipment
for Beach Operations -
$1,400,000 (one-time)
•The City’s recycling contract with TFC was renewed in FY 2024-25, with nearly double
the rate.
•Even if the City does not renew its contract in the future, Public Works anticipates that
alternative solutions, such as the Waste Disposal Southeastern Public Service
Authority, would require similarly increased funding.
Increase in Recycling
funds - $40,000
Major Budget Changes – Stormwater
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•Public Works faces growing maintenance demands for the City’s pump systems and
flood protection gates.
•Staffing additions were recommended in the Jacobs Operational Assessment Report
and included in the funding plan for the rate increase authorized in FY 2025-26.
Pump Maintenance
Electricians &
Mechanic 3.0 FTEs -
(net $0)
•Public Works will create the Stormwater Operations Center, the City’s central hub for
monitoring and managing stormwater infrastructure, flood control systems, and
related emergency management operations.
•The Stormwater Operations Center will depend on a complex set of technology
platforms to gather data and help coordinate actions.
•A new Business Application Specialist will be the Center’s technology project owner.
Technical Support for
Stormwater
Operations Control
Center 1.0 FTE –
(net $0)
Major Budget Changes – Waste Management
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•The Landfill has experienced a 50% reduction in staff since 2008 and increasingly relied on contracted manpower to meet
service expectations.
•Converting contracted manpower to full-time positions will enhance stability, reduce turnover, and ensure compliance with
regulations.
Additional Motor Equipment Operator II Positions 2.0 FTEs - (net $0)
•Public Works is requesting to increase the refuse container fee from $75 to $100.
•The fee has not been updated since 2004.
•Additional revenue will be used to cover ongoing costs of the program.
Refuse Containers Fee Increase - $75,000
•Public Works is requesting to increase the yard debris container rental fee from $40 to $50 for a 24-hour weekday rental and
$75 to $150 for a Friday-Monday rental.
•The fee has not been updated since 2008.
•Additional revenue will cover ongoing costs of the program.
Yard Debris Trailer Fee Increase - $40,000
Major Budget Changes – Additional Funds
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•An additional Business Application Specialist will help support the City’s rapidly expanding parking technology programs and to ensure
effective administration, integration, and maintenance of several critical parking systems.
•This position is funded by redirecting expenses within the Parking Enterprise Fund.
Parking Management Technical Support Business Application Specialist II 1.0 FTE - (net $0)
•Due to its age, the tank is at risk of structural failure, corrosion, and leakage, which could cause fueling delays for the City fleet or
potential safety or environmental hazards.
Landstown Fuel Tank Replacement - $1,500,000 (one-time)
•Starting in FY 2026-27, funding associated with parking enforcement, general maintenance, and street maintenance of Town Center will
be moved from Economic Development to Public Works.
•This accounting change better reflects which department is responsible for providing these services.
Town Center SSD Reorganization - $2,838,840
Questions?
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