Read Ahead Filling Vacant PositionLewis County Facilities
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Read -Ahead for BOCC
Date: 8/29/2025
From: Alex Murray, Facilities Director
Subject: Request to Fill Vacant Electrician Position - Facilities Department
Background
571 NW Prindle 5t
Chehalis WA 98532
The Facilities Department currently has a vacant electrician position that has remained
unfilled for nearly seven months. In October 2024, the department layed off its third
electrician, reducing the electrical team from three down to two. Since that time, and with
one electrician out on extended leave, our effective workforce has been reduced by 66.67%.
This has left the County unable to properly cover its electrical needs, decreased our in-
house capacity, and increased reliance on costly contracted services.
Since absorbing the fairgrounds in February 2025, the number of critical electrical needs
has significantly grown. Without sufficient staff coverage, these needs have strained both
the Facilities Department and the broader County operations.
Opportunity
We have identified an ideal candidate to fill the vacant electrician position. This individual
previously served as an electrician within the Facilities Department two years ago. They
bring:
• Institutional Knowledge - Extensive familiarity with county facilities, including
the fairgrounds and parks.
• System Expertise - Deep understanding of county systems, operations, and history.
• Immediate Impact - Ability to "hit the ground running" on day one (targeted start
date: September 16, 2025).
This combination of skills, experience, and familiarity is rare. Their return represents an
opportunity to restore capacity, expedite the growth and maturity of the department, and
provide immediate relief and support to an already strained crew.
Fiscal Impact
Approval of this hire requires placing the individual at a Grade 125, Step 13. This is the
grade and step they would currently hold had they remained employed with the County.
This adjustment reflects an increase of $15,610 annually in salaries and wages.
0 360.740.1459 c 360.880.5944 ! fllex Murraty, Director of Facilities
This request aligns with prior practice: County Departments have historically approached
the BOCC when hiring above the currently budgeted step. Importantly, this decision does
not negatively impact the overall Facilities budget.
Recommendation
The Facilities Director recommends moving forward with the identified candidate. Their
immediate contributions will:
• Restore lost capacity to the electrical team.
• Reduce reliance on contracted services.
• Strengthen operations at facilities, parks, and the fairgrounds.
• Provide institutional knowledge and leadership to support the department's growth
and development.
Action Requested: Approve hiring the identified candidate at a grade 12S, step 13.
Alex Mur ay
Facilities Director
Lewis County