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Comfort Systems of Virginia Inc. will provide HVAC maintenance at the Windsor Town Center for another year, with the Windsor Town Council agreeing to 3% increases in some of CSV’s rates, keeping up with increases in the Consumer Price Index.

Investopedia.com explains that the Consumer Price Index measures change over time in the prices paid by consumers for a representative basket of goods and services.

At the Windsor Town Council’s Jan. 10 meeting, Town Manager William Saunders said, “In January of 2022, the town contracted with Comfort Systems of Virginia to provide HVAC maintenance service at the Windsor Town Center following a competitive solicitation. 

“That contract was for one year and allowed for up to four annual extensions if both parties agreed,” he continued. “The contract also allowed for the vendor to have the opportunity to request revisions to the fee schedule of their services at the time of extension.”

Then Saunders offered an evaluation of CSV’s performance to help inform the council’s decision on a possible contract extension with a revised rate schedule.

“CSV has provided timely and professional service on the Windsor Town Center HVAC under this contract and has also provided plumbing services at the Windsor Town Center outside of the contract during this time period,” he said.

In a Jan. 9 memorandum to the Windsor mayor and Town Council, Saunders highlighted the recent changes to the Consumer Price Index. He noted that in November, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 0.1%, seasonally adjusted, and rose 3.1% over the last 12 months, not seasonally adjusted. The index for all items minus food and energy increased 0.3% in November, seasonally adjusted, and were up 4.0% over the year, not seasonally adjusted. 

“Therefore, Comfort Systems requests an increase of 3% to the below rates,” Saunders said:

• Technician rate during normal hours — $91.

The new increased rate would be $93.50.

• Laborer/helper rate during normal hours — $45.

The new increased rate would be $46.50.

• Technician rate after normal hours — $136.

The new increased rate would be $140.

• Laborer/helper rate after normal hours — $68.

The new increased rate would be $70.

• Technician rate for emergency service — $136.

The new increased rate would be $140.

• Laborer/helper rate for emergency service — $68.

The new increased rate would be $70.

“I recommend Town Council authorize the town manager to proceed with an extension of the contract with Comfort Systems of Virginia for one additional year at the revised rate schedule,” Saunders said.

Windsor Mayor George Stubbs said, “The price of maintenance just continues to rise.”

He called for discussion, questions or a motion, and Councilman Marlin Sharp said, “I move we authorize the town manager to proceed with the extension of the contract with Comfort Systems of Virginia for one additional year at the revised rate schedule.”

A 5-0 vote in favor followed. Councilman Walter Bernacki was not present at the meeting.