During the Pueblo City Council Work Session on July 15, 2025, significant discussions centered around the urgent need for a new HVAC system at the Republic Municipal Justice Center (PMJC). The meeting highlighted the critical state of the existing system, which has faced repeated failures and costly repairs, raising concerns about the safety and functionality of essential city services housed within the facility.

Naomi Hedden, the director of purchasing, presented a detailed overview of the HVAC system's challenges, emphasizing its importance to the city's police, fire emergency dispatch, and IT departments. The current system has experienced multiple breakdowns, with 26 failures recorded in 2024 alone, leading to over $120,000 spent on repairs. Hedden described the system as outdated and ill-suited for the building's needs, noting that it was originally designed for a different type of facility and has not performed adequately for years.

The urgency of the situation was underscored by the potential consequences of a system failure, which could halt critical city operations. Hedden pointed out that the existing HVAC system has caused significant damage to equipment and infrastructure, including flooding incidents that have resulted in the loss of valuable IT assets. She stressed that the city is at a "critical point" and that the replacement of the HVAC system is not merely a preference but a necessity to ensure the continued operation of vital city services.

The council discussed the possibility of utilizing a cooperative agreement for the procurement of the new HVAC system, a method previously employed for similar emergency situations. This approach aims to expedite the replacement process and mitigate further risks associated with the failing system.

In conclusion, the discussions during the work session highlighted the pressing need for action regarding the PMJC's HVAC system. The council's acknowledgment of the situation suggests that steps will be taken to address the issue promptly, ensuring that city services remain operational and secure. The anticipated next steps include finalizing procurement plans and moving forward with the necessary replacements to safeguard the city's critical infrastructure.