Government facilities, whether local, state or federal, provide critical services to communities. These buildings need to be operating efficiently and securely. After all, at the highest of levels, the occupants could be working on issues of national security. Unfortunately, facility managers don’t receive the attention they deserve. Rather, the attention they get is for the dumbest of reasons.
FacilitiesNet recently asked its readers to submit the most outrageous complaints they’ve received from tenants.
Here are the best and funniest stories from government facilities:
"We opened a new courthouse facility. One of the judges brought his dog to work, even though dogs, with the exception of service dogs, were not permitted in the building. The dog defecated in the middle of his courtroom. He had one of his clerks call us to tell us to pick it up for him. When we responded shortly after receiving the call, the feces were solid and dry, meaning it had been there a while and no one had bothered to pick it up."
"The top of the door is sticking and cannot be operated from the inside. Once we unlock for the day I don't think we have a problem, but there is definitely a problem while we are closed!"
The ticking of a wall clock is too loud.
"The wind grabs the door when it’s windy!"
"The front door started making a strange 'Honking' noise. Thank you maintenance for taming the goose!"
We received a work order from a female employee stating that the urinal screen was installed upside down and is causing splashing. The custodian went to check on it and said that the screen was installed correctly. The work order was dismissed. Days later I received another work order for the 'splashing' issue from the same female employee. I responded back stating that I am not sure what this problem is. She said that this male employee keeps asking her to submit this work order and she didn't know how to elaborate further. I told her that the urinal screens were installed correctly. I sent a link. Have not received any complaints since.
"8 a.m. central: Painters arrive on site one day to begin painting the Police Department. Ten minutes later I receive a phone call from the Finance Department who are across the lobby two fire walls away. They are complaining about a chemical odor and are getting headaches. Knowing the painters are still bringing in their tools and supplies I go down to the police department and tell the painters to keep unloading but do not open a paint can until I say so. I drop by the Finance Department (who are chronic complainers), play dumb, tell them I don't have the keenest sense of smell and ask them to accompany me in a search for the odor. When we around the building for a short time and then enter the police department. I noted (with a straight face) that the painters are still setting up their drop cloths, scaffolds and ladders and have not yet opened a can of paint. However, if you (the finance ladies) can ID the odor I'd be glad to take care of it. They looked at each other, dropped their heads and walked out. Busted."
Do you have a similar story to share or think you can top these? Submit your most outrageous complaint.
