County Board Approves Jamar Proposal for Jail Boiler Replacement Project

The Ashland County Finance Committee convened on June 11, 2025, to discuss critical infrastructure needs, particularly focusing on the aging jail facility and its heating system. The meeting highlighted the necessity for immediate upgrades to the jail's heating equipment, which has been in service since its construction in 1996.

The committee reviewed two proposals for replacing the jail's boilers, one from Jamar and another from Johnson Controls. Jamar's representative provided insights into the current state of the jail's heating system, noting that all equipment, except for the water heaters, is in need of repair and has surpassed its life expectancy. The proposed solution includes installing a new 2,000,000 BTU boiler, which would enhance the facility's heating capacity, especially during extreme weather conditions.

Discussion among committee members emphasized the importance of replacing both existing boilers simultaneously to avoid higher costs and inefficiencies in the future. Members expressed concerns about the reliability of the current system, with one noting that the existing boilers have experienced intermittent issues. The consensus was that upgrading to new equipment would not only improve efficiency but also ensure compliance with modern standards.

The committee also addressed the financial implications of the proposed upgrades. It was suggested that the project be split into two phases for funding purposes, with a commitment to present the proposal to the full county board on July 22 for approval. The committee plans to hold a finance meeting prior to this date to determine the best funding strategy, whether through cash reserves or a debt levy.

In conclusion, the Finance Committee's discussions underscored the urgent need for infrastructure improvements at the jail, with a clear path forward to secure funding and initiate the necessary upgrades. The next steps involve finalizing the funding approach and obtaining county board approval to move ahead with the Jamar proposal.