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Medford facilities director outlines window, lighting and building repairs amid rising utility costs
Summary
Facilities presented proposed FY26 budget increases to cover inflationary vendor costs and utility price spikes; plans include LED conversions, window restoration, bathroom renovations and potential in‑house handyman positions to reduce contractor costs.
The Medford Facilities Department told the City Council Committee of the Whole on May 6 that its proposed fiscal 2026 budget would rise from $1,838,745 to $1,933,393 — a $94,648 increase driven by cost-of-living adjustments, higher fuel and utility prices, and increased HVAC and cleaning contract costs.
Director Jason Brett (identified in the meeting) said some vendor contracts include annual increases and that a recent natural-gas price spike caused an unexpected run-up in utility bills. “Natural gas exploded with what National Grid did,” Brett said, adding that usage was similar but costs were far higher than the prior year.
The department reported completed and planned capital work: LED lighting upgrades in City Hall (including council chambers), window restorations in the historic chamber, replacement windows at three fire stations, lighting and signage upgrades at the Chevalier and Valley Theater, and an Engine 4 bathroom renovation. Brett said a recently purchased trailer will aid logistics for other departments, and that three maintenance workers in the library and senior center will begin reporting to facilities next fiscal year to improve coordination.
Unfunded or future priorities discussed included full ADA-compliant restroom renovations at City Hall, replacing council-chamber carpet, roadwork at headquarters and Riverside Ave. fire station, and establishing an in-house full‑time handyman to handle routine repairs — a change Brett said could reduce outside-contractor costs for plumbing, carpentry and small repairs.
Nut graf: Facilities is asking for modest additional operating funds to manage inflationary contract cost growth and to support several ongoing building renovation and preservation projects; utilities and contract inflation are the chief near-term budget pressures.
Background and next steps: Brett said the historic window project required period-accurate glazing and woodwork, which drove costs; he estimated a potential chamber reconfiguration tied to a possible charter change at “under $100,000” but said final design work is needed. The department will continue to seek savings, coordinate with DPW and prioritize roadwork and building repairs.
Ending: Councilors asked for cost estimates tied to possible council‑chamber changes should the charter pass; Brett said he will work with vendors to develop ballpark figures before the fall vote.
