Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the County Facilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County facilities director seeks modest increases for janitorial, training and landscaping ahead of fairgrounds planning
Summary
Valley County facilities staff briefed commissioners June 9 on a draft FY 2026 facilities budget that would add modest funding for janitorial contracts, employee training and landscaping while flagging larger repairs tied to an upcoming facilities condition assessment and a Fairgrounds master plan.
Valley County facilities staff presented draft changes to the FY 2026 facilities budget at the June 9 budget workshop, asking commissioners to approve modest increases for janitorial contracts, employee training and landscaping while noting longer‑term capital needs tied to aging buildings and a Fairgrounds master plan.
Facilities director Scott (first name given in meeting) said the department failed to budget garbage removal for the Cascade Annex in the prior cycle and proposed adding $3,200 to cover removal at all county locations. He also asked commissioners to increase the janitorial contract from $10,000 to $15,000 to cover periodic deep cleaning, carpet work and floor care that the county lacks in‑house capacity to perform.
“People can actually see growth opportunities within their careers if we’re actually providing education,” a commissioner said as staff proposed a $2,000 education/training line for facilities technicians to pay registration costs, and $1,000 travel.
The presentation itemized smaller changes: a $100 office supplies allocation where none was budgeted last year, and a modest increase in awards and recognition supplies (from $75 to $125). Commissioners also discussed landscaping dollars: staff proposed $5,000 per facility for routine landscaping at the courthouse, the Cascade Annex and the McCall Annex.
Why it matters: the facilities budget both funds day‑to‑day cleanliness and safety and helps identify capital repair priorities. Scott and county staff said FY 2026 requests are deliberately modest but warned that repairs and long‑term improvements could require larger allocations after a facilities condition assessment and planned Capital Improvement Plan work in FY 2027.
Fairgrounds planning and next steps: commissioners asked to meet directly with the Valley County Fair Board in coming weeks to prioritize needs at the fairgrounds. Staff and commissioners said they want a Fairgrounds master plan before committing large sums to permanent infrastructure; in the meantime, the county may pursue short‑term maintenance such as pressure washing and paint to extend useful life.
Staff requested commissioner guidance to fund the modest FY 2026 increases and to proceed with a multi‑stakeholder meeting on the fairgrounds requirements and master plan timeline.
