County staff and a contractor told commissioners the Pratt County courthouse has widespread insulation and piping deterioration and many rooftop or ceiling-mounted HVAC units that do not move substantial air. The presenter described a proposal to replace piping in the boiler room with a three-layer poly pipe product that carries a 30-year warranty and said the material reduces condensation and could reduce ongoing insulation and leak problems.

The presenter said the courthouse currently has 68 HVAC units, of which 37 "don't work, or they hardly move any air," and noted the building uses a two‑pipe hydronic system (either heat or cool at one time). The contractor described options ranging from replacing piping and insulation to a larger conversion to a four‑pipe system that would allow simultaneous heating and cooling in different areas and enable year-round chiller use for server rooms and other loads.

The contractor recommended starting with the boiler room piping replacement and said that, if the commission desires, the project could be phased floor by floor while the existing system remains operational. The contractor cautioned that replacing piping with copper would substantially increase material costs and that the poly piping option avoids the recurring insulation and moisture issues that have caused repeated maintenance.

Commissioners asked about sequencing, ceiling and grid work required for unit replacement, and whether potable-water lines should be replaced while mechanical work is underway. The presenter suggested coordinating a general contractor for ceiling repairs and noted other local school and courthouse projects have used the poly piping product. No contract award or dollar amount for full‑building work was approved at the meeting; the county approved prior insulation work but considered the piping proposal as an option for future planning.

The contractor left warranty sheets and product information for county staff to review and said he would provide price options if the county requests them.