<p>It’s been almost a year since the city has had weekly recycling and yet there's still no end in sight for the rolled back services.</p> <p>For months now city officials pressing the Department of Public works for an updated timeline, but at a quarterly oversight hearing held Wednesday, DPW still couldn't provide answers.</p> <p>DPW's Director Jason Mitchell says COVID-fueled staffing shortages remain a roadblock.</p> <p>"It’s a challenge hiring throughout the nation. We’re no different," he said.</p> <p>Mitchell adds that a timeline can’t be determined until the department finishes a months long “route optimization data” report.</p> <p>"We expect to have that report by the end of next month. Once we have that we’ll have a clear path forward," he said.</p> <p>Meanwhile, DPW admitted they’re down 700 employees Wednesday, many of them CDL drivers.</p> <p><a class="themeColorForLinks" title="https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/baltimorecity?keywords=CDL" href="https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/baltimorecity?keywords=CDL" _mce_href="https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/baltimorecity?keywords=CDL" target="_blank">Online job postings</a>&nbsp;suggest the city is offering between $40,000 to $50,000 for the position.</p> <p><br></p>