The Public Works Department consists of a Public Works Director who is a registered Professional Engineer and an Executive Secretary.  It provides an interface between the four divisions within the Public Works Department (Street, City Grounds Maintenance, Parks and Recreation and Service Center), the City Administration (Mayor, CAO, City Clerk), and City Council.  The Public Works Department also provides a point of contact for City residents and taxpayers when situations require it.

The Public Works Director provides a direct link of contact between City Administration, other City departments and agencies, and all four Public Works Divisions. By providing this link, the Director is the key person in keeping the lines of communication open, strong and effective.  The Director must be a strong and effective communicator and able to represent each of the four Divisions to City Administration and City Council.  Additionally, the Director coordinates Public Works projects with the Hopkinsville Surface and Stormwater Utility Board (HSSUB) for drainage projects within the City street’s right-of-ways and with the Planning Commission on engineering related projects.  The Director must be unbiased in his/her political views and always maintain an open line of communication with all facets of government.  The Director must understand city ordinances and be capable of explaining their intent when called upon to do so.  The Director should also be a confident and informed representative of City government. 

The Public Works Department provides necessary reporting to keep City Administration informed of the Department’s activities.  This relieves individual division superintendents from this duty and allows them time to concentrate on operating their individual divisions.

The Director and Executive Secretary work with consultants, engineering firms, and other City departments and agencies to maintain the positive working relationship required to carry out the mission of the Public Works Department.  

Additionally, the Secretary deals with the general public and responds and tracks citizen concerns relating to Public Works.  The Secretary also interfaces with other City Administration secretarial areas.  Additional functions include providing and scheduling weekly activities for the Director and division superintendents and coordinating and scheduling training classes and continuing education classes for all divisions.