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Kent County facilities management outlines $15 million operations budget, timelines for Fuller Clinic, dam work
Summary
Facilities management presented an annual report detailing a roughly $15 million operations budget, an average of $9 million a year in capital projects over the past four years, and project timelines including Fuller Clinic re-occupancy in early November and a multi‑phase Follisburg Dam repair.
Tim, the facilities management presenter, told the Kent County Board of Commissioners’ Operation and Policy Committee on Sept. 16 that the department’s annual operations budget is about $15,000,000 and that capital projects have averaged roughly $9,000,000 per year over the last four years.
The presentation outlined ongoing and upcoming projects. The Fuller Clinic renovation is a roughly $4.5 million project with drywall, doors and a first coat of paint in place; Tim said the department expects to reoccupy the space in early November. Work at the county animal shelter required temporarily moving about 45 dogs and more than 30 cats to allow renovations. The South Clinic renovation was completed earlier this year, with some flooring work still pending.
Tim also described a two‑phase project at Follisburg Dam: sheet piling to strengthen embankments has been completed this year, and the county is in design to strengthen the spillway and Tanner Gates next year. He said that phase is anticipated to cost roughly $2,000,000 next year as part of a $4,000,000 total project.
On facilities planning and capital strategy, Tim said the administration building design for the Fuller Campus has gone through several iterations and that the county plans to demolish 1101 Ball (north of the Fuller Campus) to make room for future construction. He said the county received a grant to perform an energy efficiency study across county buildings and expects the study to inform a five‑year capital improvement plan.
Tim noted an operational item for employees: the county’s arrangement with the Ellis Deck — about 115 parking spaces used by courthouse staff — expires Sept. 30, 2026, and staff are reviewing alternatives.
Commissioners asked about the county’s involvement with related but independent authorities (the zoo, airport and what the presentation called “Network 180”). Tim and Al, the county administrator, said the county performs plan reviews or is consulted under specific agreements or master plans, but those authorities operate under separate legal constructs. Commissioner questions also covered preventive versus reactive maintenance, electrification of fleet vehicles, and a planned North County fuel island; Tim said the county is piloting electric vehicle charging (a $10,000 grant from Consumers was mentioned) and that the fleet managed by facilities is small.
Commissioners praised the facilities team’s responsiveness and asked for clearer metrics and baselines tied to the energy study; Tim said eight county buildings are now in the Energy Star portfolio and that the forthcoming study will provide a baseline for setting goals.
The committee did not take a formal action item on the facilities report; Tim offered to return for follow up as commissioners requested additional detail on metrics and lifecycle budgeting.
