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Facilities director outlines staffing, snow-equipment options and recent county projects
Summary
Facilities Director Jack Lang reported on equipment needs, staffing, and completed projects, including snow-equipment options, a consolidated capital outlay line, and 1,311 work orders processed last year.
Jack Lang, Berkeley County facilities director, told commissioners the department has handled a broad mix of maintenance and renovation projects and is weighing equipment and staffing options as the county heads into winter weather.
Lang said the department is considering replacing a nine-year-old electric salt spreader and evaluating options for a new tractor with a cab and blower versus renting a Bobcat L23 articulating loader with a 5-foot snowblower at about $2,500 per month. He cited a new-equipment price of roughly $42,000 for a Bobcat and estimated that rental costs could equal purchase in about three years but would avoid upkeep and insurance overhead.
Lang reported the facilities budget was lowered by $3,000 in uniforms because the cleaning function moved out of his account, and capital outlays were consolidated: previously split building and equipment lines were combined. He listed several recent projects: new roofs on judicial buildings, remodeled rooms for the sheriff’s department, painting and repairs at multiple county facilities, a new bathroom upstairs at the old bank building, work for Marshall University (classroom creation), and repairs at ambulance stations including FRP board installation and condensation repairs. Lang said his team processed 1,311 work orders last year and that the department’s staff complement is eight positions total, though he said the team was down to six available that week because of assignments.
Commissioners thanked Lang for his team’s responsiveness to the senior center and other county departments. Lang asked the board to consider equipment replacement approaches and noted he had prioritized safety and durability when comparing electric versus gas-powered spreaders and open-station tractors versus cabs.
Lang also described routine facility upkeep—monthly filter changes, fire-extinguisher checks—and said the facilities staff coordinate with city crews and outside contractors when needed. He asked commissioners to contact him directly about facility issues and said his assistant, Miss Pope, manages day-to-day coordination.
