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Waynesville council approves HR study, SRF application, HVAC amendment and other administrative measures
Summary
Council approved a package of administrative items: a $10,000 targeted public-works compensation study, authorization to file an SRF application for a pump-station interconnect, a budget amendment for two HVAC units (with optional $10,000 add for 17-SEER models), acceptance of a FEMA radio grant (consent), formation of a Downtown Commission 501(c)(
At its Oct. 20 meeting the Waynesville Town Council approved several administrative and fiscal measures, acting on consent items and separate motions to address public-safety communications, workforce turnover, infrastructure funding and facilities maintenance.
FEMA radio grant (consent item): Fire Chief Meheff told council the town accepted a FEMA grant of about $290,000 with the town share roughly $13,000 to purchase 29 tri-band, waterproof public-safety radios to improve interoperability during floods and multiagency responses. That acceptance was included in the consent agenda the council approved by voice vote.
Public-works compensation study: Staff proposed hiring HR consultant Lisa Delaine Honeycutt for a targeted compensation study of water, sewer and electric positions. The engagement was described as roughly 80 hours over 11 weeks at $125 per hour for an estimated cost of $10,000 plus expenses to be allocated across three enterprise funds. Staff reported a turnover rate of 39.76% in the current calendar year, representing roughly 30–37 departures out of about 83 positions and nine current vacancies in public works. Council approved the $10,000 study by voice vote.
State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan/grant resolution: Council approved a resolution authorizing submission of an SRF loan/grant application for the Browning Branch pump station and Camp McLeod wastewater interconnect. Staff said they expect principal forgiveness for the loan; the town is acting as sponsor since neighboring jurisdictions lack the assets to qualify. The council voted to permit filing of the application.
HVAC replacements and budget amendment: Staff presented quotes to replace aging HVAC units at town hall and recommended replacing two units together to save mobilization costs. Council discussed paying an extra $10,000 to acquire higher-efficiency (17 SEER) units despite longer lead times; the motion to approve the budget amendment with the option to add $10,000 for 17-SEER models was approved by voice vote.
Other administrative items: Council approved articles of incorporation for a Downtown Waynesville Commission 501(c)(3) and adopted revised rules for the Wayne School Recreation Center that clarify the department director’s authority to suspend or revoke privileges for misconduct.
Outcomes and next steps: Staff will finalize consultant engagement and report back on the compensation study; public-works staff will prepare the SRF application and pursue principal forgiveness; facilities staff will schedule HVAC replacement and complete procurement, and the town attorney will finalize incorporation paperwork for the downtown nonprofit.
