Welcome to the Public Works Department

• Management, maintenance and improvement of infrastructure for roadways, signs and signals, bridges, stormwater conveyances and management systems, sidewalks and curbs, as well as the right-of-way, easements and properties within which the public infrastructure resides.
• Improving and protecting public safety through best management practices in traffic management and stormwater management.
• Operation and management of all solid waste services within DeKalb County, including residential and commercial collection services and landfill operations.
• Management and maintenance of the County’s fleet, including police vehicles, fire apparatus, rolling stock and equipment necessary for effective operation of the county.

The mission of the Public Works Department is to provide the citizens of DeKalb County with the highest quality of Public Works services.  The Public Works Department accomplishes this mission through its four divisions:  Fleet Maintenance, Roads & Drainage, Sanitation and Transportation.

The DeKalb County Public Works Department is accredited by the American Public Works Association, and stands as one of only about 200 agencies in North America to achieve accreditation.  Accreditation was achieved in 2023.

The Department is led by Director of Public Works Richard W. Lemke, PE.  Lemke holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineer from Bradley University, and a Master of Science degree in engineering management from the Florida Institute of Technology.

Mr. Lemke has worked in local government and consulting in a career spanning almost 50 years.  He has held leadership positions in public works and engineering in Illinois, Wyoming, Florida, and Georgia.  Mr. Lemke is experienced in areas of civil engineering, transportation, construction, traffic engineering, water and wastewater engineering and management, stormwater management and design, and program management.