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Facilities director seeks reclassification, higher repair and utilities funding in 2026 budget
Summary
Randy, presenting the facilities budget, asked commissioners to reclassify an HVAC technician position to a higher grade, increase property repair and maintenance funding and add modest increases to utilities and inspection line items ahead of several new buildings coming online.
Randy, the county facilities presenter, asked the Board of Commissioners to reclassify a long‑tenured HVAC technician position from grade 11 to grade 14 and to raise multiple facilities line items to account for new buildings and higher operating costs.
Randy said a skilled HVAC technician who joined the department after retiring from private HVAC work brought advanced capabilities that previously required contracting. He asked the board to change the job grade so future hires would be paid at the higher step; "Currently, there would be no additional funds necessary because mister Miller has been here long enough to be beyond that point already," Randy said, adding the change is intended for future hires.
Why it matters: the facilities budget funds maintenance for multiple county properties (government center, library, voter registration office, historic courthouse and jail, the ag center and others). Changes to utilities, inspections and repair funds will affect operating reserves and capital planning.
Key budget adjustments Randy sought to increase the tech‑services inspections line to roughly $14,000 (up from a lower historical line) because the county's low‑bid inspection cost has risen. He proposed raising property repair and maintenance to $215,000 to cover resealing and restriping smaller parking lots (secured government center lot, Chesapeake Regional Library, voter registration) and other deferred maintenance. Electricity was proposed at $300,000 for 2026 — an increase the presenter said is partly precautionary because some renovation contracts might include utilities. Randy also asked modest increases for general supplies and gasoline/diesel to reflect higher usage and costs across county buildings.
Randy said facilities supports day‑to‑day supplies and certain maintenance across remote properties, including voter registration and the historic courthouse, and that some line items may be adjusted as contractors and renovation schedules become clearer. He noted a consultant will assess the transfer station and other facility needs and that more precise costs will be available as assessments complete.
Board discussion focused on clarifying past spending levels for inspections and whether certain utility costs will remain with the county when renovation contracts start.
