In a recent meeting held by the Grosse Ile Township Police Commission, discussions centered around the aging generator that supports essential services, particularly the police department. The generator, manufactured in the late 1980s and installed around 1992, has been a reliable but increasingly problematic piece of equipment.

As the meeting unfolded, it became clear that the generator's lifespan was expected to be around 25 years, and it has now surpassed that by nearly a decade. Maintenance checks have been conducted annually, but concerns are mounting. A maintenance technician recently advised that the generator should have been replaced ten years ago, citing a slight oil leak and the risks associated with relying on such outdated machinery.

The financial implications of a generator failure were starkly outlined. If the generator were to go down, the township would face costs of approximately $900 to $1,100 per day to rent a temporary generator. Additionally, there would be an initial delivery fee of around $2,000. The urgency of the situation was emphasized, as acquiring a new generator could take several months, and in an emergency—such as a severe storm—there is no guarantee that a replacement would be readily available.

The discussion also touched on the operational aspects of the generator, which currently runs on natural gas and provides 80 kilowatts of power. There are plans to upgrade to a 100-kilowatt generator, but the immediate concern remains the aging unit that supports critical services.

As the meeting concluded, the commission recognized the need for a strategic plan to address the generator's replacement, ensuring that the police and fire departments can continue to operate effectively without the looming threat of equipment failure. The urgency of the situation highlights the importance of proactive maintenance and timely upgrades in municipal infrastructure.