The Tawas City Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for the construction, operation, and ongoing maintenance of city-owned infrastructure and facilities. The department provides a wide range of essential services that support public safety, mobility, utilities, and the overall quality of life for residents and visitors.
Streets, Roads & Infrastructure
- DPW maintains all city streets, alleys, public parking lots, and shoulders, as well as general maintenance along U.S. 23 and M-55. Services include snow removal, street sweeping, drainage work, cold patching, crack sealing, pavement marking, and street sign repair and replacement. Crews also repair and replace stormwater catch basins and sanitary sewer manholes, grade unpaved streets, and barricade streets when necessary.
Water & Sewer Utilities
- The department operates and maintains the city’s water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Responsibilities include installing, repairing, and replacing water and sewer lines and service taps; maintaining wastewater pumps and lift stations; and performing hydrant maintenance and flushing. DPW staff conduct water meter readings, repairs, and installations; manage service turn-ons and shut-offs; collect water samples; clean sewer lines and catch basins; accurately locate city-owned utilities; and clear sewer blockages using specialized equipment.
Parks, Grounds & Facilities
- DPW maintains all city parks, recreational facilities, cemeteries, and municipal properties, including Memory Gardens Cemetery. Duties include lawn care, trash collection, pathway mowing, fixture repairs, tree trimming and removal, planting and watering hanging flower baskets, and general grounds upkeep. The department also performs routine maintenance and repairs to public buildings and structures.
Fleet, Equipment & Operations
- To carry out its responsibilities, DPW operates a wide range of construction and maintenance equipment, including tractors, backhoes, mowers, street sweepers, dump trucks, aerial work platforms, snowplows, sewer jetting equipment, power saws, and handheld power tools. The department performs preventative maintenance, lubrication, and repairs on all city-owned vehicles and equipment as well as fabricates or welds tools and components as needed.
Additional Responsibilities
- DPW oversees the evaluation and condition rating of city streets and water and sewer infrastructure. Additional duties include yard waste collection and transport, compost pickup, tree trimming, debris removal, and other services necessary to support city operations.
