Public Services outlines revised capital and tenant-improvement policy, recommends clearer request process and $250,000 annual set-aside

Public Services presented a revised capital and tenant-improvement policy intended to streamline how departments request facility improvements and to clarify project prioritization and funding.

"When public services was established ... we then became in charge of the capital improvement requests," Savannah Clement said, describing a year-long effort to consolidate multiple request forms, standardize submission timing, and create a transparent prioritization process. The policy updates were developed by an internal capital improvement team and are intended to support the county's five-year facilities plan.

Clement said staff recommend setting aside $250,000 annually for capital/tenant-improvement requests. Sean Roehrig, Public Works, explained the 310 Fund that pays these requests is funded by real-estate excise tax (REET) receipts and general-fund transfers; he said historical annual availability has ranged from $0 to about $150,000 depending on economic conditions. Staff told the Board most recent average request sizes were roughly $20,000–$25,000 and that last year's submissions fit within the existing budget.

Clement said no Board action was required at the workshop; she will return next week with the policy for additional conversation and final consideration. The revised process aims to reduce ad-hoc submissions (for example, isolated carpet or wallpaper requests) and better prioritize projects that support departmental operations and the county's capital plan.