Wake County officials highlighted pressing staffing challenges in the HVAC department during a recent government meeting, emphasizing the need for increased personnel to move from a reactive to a proactive maintenance approach. Currently, the department operates with about 20 staff members, which is insufficient for effective management of HVAC systems, leading to a reliance on contract workers for additional support.

The discussion revealed that while there are 26 completed upgrades to HVAC and chiller projects, there are still 31 ongoing projects that require attention. This situation underscores the urgency for hiring more skilled workers to ensure that maintenance can be handled efficiently without constant crisis management.

Officials noted that the current staffing levels hinder the department's ability to operate effectively, making it clear that addressing these staffing shortages is crucial for improving service delivery and project completion in Wake County. The meeting concluded with a call to action for the county to prioritize hiring efforts in the HVAC sector to enhance operational efficiency and reduce reliance on temporary solutions.