Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Jonesborough approves utilities maintenance supervisor to lead USDA-funded generator project
Summary
The Board approved a funded utilities maintenance supervisor position to expedite site preparation for a USDA-backed generator program; staff estimated the generators have a 22–26 week lead time and said much of the early work will be reimbursed by USDA funds.
The Jonesborough Board of Aldermen approved a new Utilities Maintenance Supervisor position and associated funding to support preparation and installation work for a USDA-funded generator program.
Kevin Grobak, utilities manager, told the board the generators have been ordered and the town needs to complete site preparation—concrete pads, conduit and transfer-switch work—so the units can be set immediately on delivery. Grobak said, “lead time on our generators… is already been ordered, 22 to 26 weeks,” and added that early-phase work is expected to be reimbursed by USDA funding. Staff estimated that during the generator-prep period 80–90% of the new position’s time would be charged to USDA-eligible work, with the town covering the remaining portion; maintenance-line items will be adjusted in the FY-26 budget to finance the position thereafter.
Board members discussed the timing and budget implications. Officials said having a dedicated supervisor should reduce contract costs and scheduling delays that would otherwise arise from staging the work across multiple outside contractors. If site preparation is complete when generators arrive, the town avoids additional crane and rental costs.
Why it matters - The position is tied closely to a multi-site resiliency project intended to strengthen backup power at municipal facilities. Reducing contractor markups and consolidating site-prep under town supervision are expected to produce cost efficiencies and speed installation.
Implementation details and next steps - Staff reported generators already ordered with an estimated 22–26 week lead time. - The board approved posting and hiring the position; staff will track USDA-eligible time and costs and provide monthly reconciliation reports. - The board directed staff to adjust maintenance contracting in FY-26 to free funds for the position if USDA reimbursement does not fully cover early months.
Votes and motion - Motion to approve job description and funding for the Utilities Maintenance Supervisor carried (moved by Alderman Counterman; second Alderman Dixon). Board members agreed the town would post the position promptly to align with the generator delivery schedule.
Ending - The board approved the position and asked utilities staff to return progress and reimbursement reconciliation reports as the project proceeds.
Provenance - Discussion and approval of the utilities position and USDA generator project took place between transcript timestamps 4723.47 and 5158.69.
