The Amarillo City Council Workshop held on August 6, 2025, focused on updates regarding capital projects and development engineering, particularly in the context of drainage utility management. The meeting began with discussions on the allocation of resources to the Drainage Utility, emphasizing the importance of accurately valuing assets during construction. This approach aims to ensure that costs are effectively managed, whether through in-house engineering or contracted services.

Key personnel changes were highlighted, particularly the transition from former employee Klaus Snyder to Jerry, who has brought a new business-oriented approach to the department. Jerry's leadership has fostered a positive culture within the capital projects and development engineering team, which is noted for its efficiency and proactive management of projects. The team, composed of civil engineers and project managers, is actively involved in inspections and right-of-way procurement, demonstrating a commitment to timely project completion.

The council acknowledged the significant progress made under Jerry's direction, particularly in managing drainage projects, including a notable $40 million initiative. The team is consistently engaged in meetings to oversee ongoing projects, such as the Georgia Street construction. The council expressed confidence in the department's direction and the effective management of resources, highlighting Jerry's negotiation skills that have reportedly saved the city over a million dollars on contracts.

Overall, the workshop underscored the city's commitment to improving infrastructure through strategic management and resource allocation, with a focus on enhancing the efficiency of capital projects and ensuring timely completion. The council plans to continue monitoring these developments closely in future meetings.