During the recent Stafford City Council meeting on July 2, 2025, a significant discussion centered around the organizational structure and succession planning for the public works department. This topic arose following a resident's inquiry about the chain of command within the department, particularly after an incident at Carroll Manor Park.

Currently, the public works department is operating without a permanent director. Instead, there is an interim public works superintendent and an interim assistant superintendent managing the division. The absence of a director has prompted the mayor and city officials to hold biweekly meetings with division heads from various sectors, including code enforcement and development services, to ensure that operations continue smoothly.

The council addressed the resident's concerns about transparency and accountability within the public works team. The interim superintendent is actively working to identify the employee involved in the incident and is committed to improving customer service responses. This situation highlights the importance of clear communication and accountability in public service roles.

In a positive development, the city has completed interviews for the director of public works position. A panel has recommended top candidates to the mayor, who is expected to conduct second interviews soon. The council anticipates a recommendation for a new director to be presented within the next two weeks, which could stabilize the department and enhance service delivery to residents.

This meeting underscored the city's commitment to addressing public concerns and ensuring effective management within essential services, reflecting the ongoing efforts to maintain community trust and operational efficiency.