County Administrator Proposes Two Additional Maintenance Technicians, Equipment Transfers

County Administrator John Gorton told the board that Finance will separate Department 18 (Maintenance) from Public Works in the budget so maintenance labor, taxes and benefits are tracked independently. He recommended adding two full-time maintenance technicians to the County Maintenance Department to increase coverage for County buildings, allow rotating assignments at the jail and support Recreation projects.

Gorton estimated the additional two positions (with benefits) would add approximately $160,000–$170,000 to personnel costs; Commissioner Adam Worsley estimated the fully loaded cost could be about $200,000–$210,000. Gorton said the department also requested a used mini-excavator (~$12,500), a new jet machine for drain and sewer line cleaning (~$6,000), and additional vehicles (about $35,000 previously allocated could be used if two vehicles are available).

Gorton suggested transferring an existing Public Works mini-excavator to Maintenance while Public Works purchases a replacement with TSPLOST funds. He said the extra maintenance staffing would help maintain renovated facilities such as the courthouse and recreation sites and reduce emergency outsourcing.