Yes, Virginia, You Can Be Sued as a Civil Servant

July 11, 2026

Santa Claus may not exist, but personal legal liability for negligence in your duties as a civil servant certainly does. That may sound like a dramatic way to begin an article, but if you have spent any time working in local government, you have probably heard some version of the same comforting myth repeated countless times. "Don't worry. The town will protect you." "You can't be sued personally." "That's what the insurance is for." Maybe. Maybe not. Th…continue

Who Runs the Roads?

October 3, 2025

How Municipal Road Maintenance Departments Differ Across the United States When you work in a town highway department in New York State, it’s easy to assume that the rest of the country operates the same way. After all, here the position of town highway superintendent is one of the most visible and powerful in local government. But take a step outside of New York, and you’ll find that road maintenance is structured very differently in municipalities across the United States. For thos…continue

Sign Inspections: A Key Component of Your MUTCD-Mandated Sign Maintenance Program

August 26, 2025

Every municipality is responsible for maintaining traffic signs in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). While most superintendents recognize the importance of installing the correct signs in the correct locations, the job doesn’t end there. Signs are only effective if they remain visible, legible, and reflective - day or night. That’s where a systematic program of sign inspections becomes an essential part of your department’s maintenance strat…continue

Why Every Public Works Department Needs a Data-Driven Paving Plan

August 9, 2025

Across the country, many public works superintendents still choose their annual paving lists using a method that’s as informal as it is risky: they simply “know” which roads look bad and need work. While decades of experience have value, this approach, often referred to as paving by the seat of your pants, has major flaws. When decisions aren’t supported by objective measurements, clear records, and multi-year projections, you open the door to criticism from taxpayers, re…continue

Understanding Developer Maintenance Bonds

July 12, 2025

When a subdivision, commercial park, or other private development turns public improvements, streets, sidewalks, water and storm-sewer lines, over to the municipality, the job isn't truly “finished.” Most cities and towns require the developer to post a maintenance bond (sometimes called a “warranty bond”) that guarantees those new assets will remain free of construction-related defects for a set period, typically one to two years after final acceptance. (Schmalz &…continue