Committee approves two cleaning-staffing requests for 2027 budget, forwards measures to Executive Committee

The Oneida County Facilities Committee on June 8 approved two staffing requests for the 2027 budget related to cleaning coverage at county facilities.

Lindsey Kennedy, Buildings & Grounds, asked the committee to approve a $0.75 wage increase for the current LTE cleaning technician, who works four hours each night at the Health and ADRC facility. Kennedy told the committee existing cleaning staff lack capacity to absorb these duties without increased overtime and burnout and said the wage adjustment is the only immediate option because LTE positions are not on the county wage schedule.

Kennedy also requested authorization for a second LTE cleaning technician position, not to exceed 500 annual hours at $25.00 per hour, to provide coverage for vacations, vacancies and special projects such as carpet shampooing. Troy Huber, Buildings & Grounds, said relying on existing staff for coverage often results in overtime costs and contributes to staff burnout.

Committee member Billy Fried acknowledged the importance of adequate coverage but said managing staffing and coverage is part of department management responsibilities and warned the Executive Committee may view LTE roles as potential reductions during budget balancing. On a motion by Billy Fried, seconded by Kyle Kilbourn, the committee voted unanimously to approve the requests and forward them to the Executive Committee for review in the 2027 budget.

The committee’s action is procedural: approval to advance the staffing requests for budget consideration does not itself change pay or create a permanent position. The Executive Committee will review the requests during the county’s 2027 budget process.