Marshall Officially Becomes New DPW Commissioner in Saratoga Springs

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Chuck Marshall was sworn in as the city’s new Commissioner of Public Works at Saratoga Springs City Hall on March 4. 

Marshall will occupy the seat through the remainder of the term, which expires at the end of this calendar year. All five City Council seats – as well as both supervisor seats will be up for vote in November. 

Marshall, who was endorsed by the Republican Party, will serve as DPW Commissioner as well as one of five voting members on the City Council. He has been a vocal advocate in opposition to the paid parking plan instituted in city garages and lots last year. 

When asked about his paid parking stance at this week’s swearing-in ceremony, Marshall said he remains opposed to paid parking measures in the city, but as it is in the budget as city revenue it would be irresponsible to simply un-fund it, which in turn would create an unbalanced budget.

 “So, the reality is it’s on me now to figure out how to get rid of it,” Marshall said during the ceremony which was attended by family members, some City Council members and former state Sen. Roy McDonald, among others.

The position of DPW Commissioner position is both departmental and legislative. The commissioner is responsible for oversight of Saratoga Springs’ street and highway maintenance, its buildings and grounds, and for ensuring that the water system provides sufficient quantities of safe potable water, among other duties. 

The position also plays a role in the legislative body of city government by placing the commissioner at the City Council table. The Council proposes and enacts legislation and establishes policy for the city. The mayor and four commissioners form the five-member City Council, and having five members is key in potentially acting as a tie-breaking vote in any deadlocked city-related decisions at the table where majority rules.