Council hears facilities and fleet budget pressures as the city adds 53,000 sq ft of space

Wayne (facilities and fleet lead) briefed council on the department’s FY27 work plan and budget implications, saying the city will add roughly 53,000 square feet to its portfolio next year and that outsourcing trade labor and materials costs have climbed substantially.

On the fleet side, staff presented a capital replacement plan that lists 52 vehicles to be replaced at just over $6.2 million and described life‑cycle estimates that vary by vehicle type (police patrol vehicles on a five‑year cycle, heavy equipment on longer cycles). Wayne said the overall city fleet average age is about seven to eight years and staff is evaluating whether to extend replacement cycles and pursue other cost‑saving measures.

Facilities projects in FY27 include fire station updates, HVAC and roof work, detention center cell renovation (long‑lead doors and windows ordered) and generator work at the service center; staff noted portable generators due in August to increase resilience at facilities without permanent backup power. Council asked questions about project timing and funding sources and heard that some work will be coordinated with the 2026 bond programs.

Next steps: staff will continue work on capital and special projects, coordinate bond program designs for maintainability, and pursue workforce development partnerships with local technical schools for trade recruitment.