From: Riegel, Brenda on behalf of Business Affairs

Sent: Friday, April 24, 2009 12:25 PM

Subject: Spending Freeze Affects Physical Plant Work

Like other departments, the governor’s recent spending freeze has affected the ability of the Physical Plant to maintain the level of service that we have provided in the past.  Below are a few specific ways this could affect your area until the freeze is lifted:

1. Making repairs in buildings supported by general funds.  When we receive a work request, we'll do everything possible to get the job done without spending money.  However, we are unable to buy material for repairs.  Unless we have previously purchased the material with general funds and have it in inventory, or can use salvaged material from a previous job, or can creatively find a way to make the repair without buying new material, the repair will have to wait. 

2. Processing work requests.  Even though funding is not currently available to make many of the repairs that we normally make, it is still important that the Physical Plant is made aware of problems.  If you recognize a needed repair, please submit a work request as in the past.  Once submitted, the Physical Plant will review the work request and determine if parts are on hand, and will complete the work if possible.  If we have to defer the work due to lack of parts, the Physical Plant will contact the requisitioner to let them know that the repair will be deferred until funding is available.

3. Housekeeping vacancies.    The Housekeeping Department has done a remarkable job in recent months keeping buildings clean despite numerous vacancies, especially at night.   We have not officially changed housekeeping nightly routines, however, with a high number of vacancies, the first area to receive less attention is always in offices.  One way you could help is to avoid putting food into office trash cans whenever possible (it takes more time to replace the bag and adds to our cost as well).

4. Uniforms.  Uniforms for craftsmen/landscapers/housekeepers are no longer provided except for a shirt, so Physical Plant employees may not be as recognizable on dayshift and nightshift.

If you have questions, call  Tom Freshwater, physical plant director, at 910.962.7673.