Council Explores High Utility Costs and Air Conditioning Efficiency at Jail Facility

The Dubois County Council convened on August 13, 2025, to review the county budget, focusing on utility costs associated with the new jail facility. Council members discussed the ongoing high utility bills, particularly for air conditioning, which have been a concern since the transition from the old building.

During the meeting, it was noted that the utility expenses for the new jail are significantly higher than those of the previous facility, with last year's costs nearing $47,000. Despite the installation of more efficient technology, council members expressed uncertainty about whether these improvements have led to substantial savings. The complexity of the building's metering system complicates efforts to accurately assess and split utility costs between different areas of the facility.

The discussion highlighted the challenges in managing energy consumption, particularly with the chillers and air handlers that are continuously operational. Council members acknowledged that the current setup may not allow for effective cost management, as the systems are designed to run consistently.

In conclusion, the council's review of the budget underscored the need for further analysis of utility expenses and potential strategies for reducing costs in the future. The ongoing discussions will likely influence budget planning and resource allocation as the county seeks to address these financial challenges.