Carmel, NY – Last week, Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne signed into law the reorganization of the Putnam County Highway and Facilities Department into the Putnam County Department of Public Works (DPW). The name change and rebranding is a move to better reflect the diverse scope of work and capabilities of the department and its employees. This change was highlighted in March of this year as a priority in County Executive Byrne’s 2023 State of the County.

The newly named Department of Public Works (DPW) will encompass the existing divisions of Highways, Facilities, Engineering, and Parks. This reorganization reflects the comprehensive range of services provided by the dedicated employees of the department, including infrastructure maintenance, road construction, building management, engineering projects, and park maintenance. By adopting the DPW name, the county aims to highlight the diverse skill set and significant contributions of its employees.

This recent change follows a series of other changes introduced by the Byrne Administration that updated various job classifications to more accurately reflect the jobs, skills and trainings our DPW employees were already providing. The changes were welcomed by public employees, giving additional recognition and compensation that was long overdue, and came at a savings as it was implemented over a period that relies on vacant positions which were unfilled via attrition.

County Executive Byrne expressed his confidence in the capabilities of the department and its ability to continue delivering exceptional services to the residents of Putnam County. "Our public employees in the Department of Public Works consistently demonstrate their expertise and dedication in carrying out their responsibilities. This reorganization is a testament to their hard work and commitment to maintaining our county's infrastructure. By adopting the DPW name, we celebrate their versatility and acknowledge the vital role they play in enhancing the quality of life for our residents and county employees.”

"This change accurately reflects the diverse range of services provided by our county employees and highlights their expertise and dedication,” said Legislator Bill Gouldman, Chair of the Physical Services Committee. “The Department of Public Works plays a critical role in maintaining our infrastructure and ensuring the safety and quality of life for our residents. I commend County Executive Byrne for prioritizing this important reorganization and look forward to seeing the continued success of the Department under its new name."

As part of the new branding, the county website has been updated with a number of new features that increase transparency and awareness for residents. This includes updates for, and descriptions of upcoming and ongoing projects DPW is involved in that can be viewed at putnamcountyny.com/public-works/projects.

The reorganization and renaming of the department will not affect its ongoing operations or the services provided to the community. The transition to the Department of Public Works has been implemented smoothly, ensuring continuity and efficiency in delivering essential services to Putnam County.

During his address in March of this year, County Executive Byrne emphasized the need for a name change, stating, "The very name Highway & Facilities does not accurately communicate all the incredible work our county employees do in this department. As it presently stands, this department already has multiple divisions to include Highways, Facilities, Engineering, and Parks. Our public employees in this department are capable of, and already do, so much more than maintain our roads and county buildings, and they deserve a brand that shows that