TO: Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr. County Administrator
Nancy A. Bunt, Assistant County Administrator
Anthony Warren, Building & Facilities Services Director
FROM: Chadwick Bacon, Assistant Building & Facilities Services Director
DATE: September 24, 2025
SUBJECT: Transition Custodial Services from Contracted Services to In-House Operations
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BACKGROUND
Following the termination of CER Signature Cleaning, LLC's custodial services contract, several other third party custodial services companies were contacted to provide services to the County. All of these companies would be significantly more expensive then what we have currently budgeted for CER Signature Cleaning. In the interim, the Facilities Management Division utilized existing staff to complete the cleaning. After several discussions about the quality of custodial services provided to the County by third party companies and based on the August 29, 2025 Internal Audit by the Clerk of Court whereby Edward Halsey, Internal Audit Director recommended that instead of using contracted custodial services, the county hire full-time custodial employees, staff is requesting to bring custodial services in-house. This request aims to ensure adherence to employment standards for background checks and maintain a high level of customer service. While outsourcing provides basic coverage, it has resulted in security concerns, insufficient background screening of employees, limited flexibility, additional charges for special projects, low quality of work, insufficient oversight of custodial staff, and challenges in maintaining consistent accountability. The proposed request positions the County to deliver service excellence with greater accountability and flexibility, and would reduce budgetary expenses.
ANALYSIS
Staffing Structure Request - Salary & Benefits:
• 9 Maintenance Workers 2pm-9:30pm (T03) @ $59,457.09 each - $535,113.81 with 5% 2nd shift premium = $555,686.01
• 2 Maintenance Workers II (Day Porters) 6:30am-3pm (T05) @ $63,721.42 each = $118,914.18
• 1 Senior Maintenance Worker Lead (Supervisor) 2pm-9:30pm (T07) = $70,285.07
Total Labor Cost: $744,885.26
Estimated Operating Supplies
• Supplies & Consumables: annually $12,000
• Equipment & Maintenance: $16,400
• Training (Chemicals, Sanitization Standards and PPE & Safety), Uniforms, Misc.: $5,500
• 12 Cell Phones: $6,000
• Contracted Out Special Projects: $50,000 (carpet and window cleaning, wood/trim restoration, strip & wax floors)
Total Operating Supplies Cost: $89,900
Total Labor and Operating Supplies Cost to Transition Custodial Services to In-house Operations: $834,785.26
BUDGETARY IMPACT
The additional twelve (12) positions will cost $744,885.26 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/2026. The additional operating supplies will cost $89,900 for FY 2025/2026. The custodial contract was budgeted at $838,700 for the applicable locations, which will result in a cost savings of $3,914.74 for FY 2025/2026. Staff will process a line transfer to fund the approved positions and operating costs from the current General Fund/Facilities Management/Janitorial Services accounts.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Benefits of the In-House Model
• Quality Control: Direct oversight ensures higher, consistent standards.
• Flexibility: Scheduling and priorities can be aligned with County needs.
• Accountability: In-house staff take ownership as part of the County team.
• Workforce Stability: Investment in training and development fosters retention.
OTHER PLAN ALIGNMENT
While transitioning to an in-house custodial model carries potential risks, we have developed strategies to minimize disruption and ensure success:
• Staffing & Turnover: Proactive recruitment, competitive wages, and investment in training will improve retention and reduce turnover risk.
• Equipment & Supply Delays: Early procurement and phased purchasing will prevent startup gaps.
• Continuity of Service: Interim coverage by County Facilities staff ensures uninterrupted cleaning operations throughout the transition.
• Foreseeable Risks: if there is a lapse in service due to absences or turnover then the previous county facilities workers will be given the option to fill in and cover for OT pay. They are currently the SME ‘s for this service as they are currently performing the work.
These measures provide stability and confidence that the in-house custodial model will deliver both immediate and sustained benefits.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends transitioning from Contracted Services to in-house custodial services.