City Manager Ed Spears told the Milton City Council at an agenda-review work session that staff received six bids to replace the community center air conditioner and recommended authorizing an emergency replacement for the low bidder at $304,478.

The recommendation came as staff also presented revised budget figures since the council's budget workshop: a $1,272,221 reduction in the general fund and a $973,221 decrease in the total proposed FY2026 budget. Staff identified a $725,000 increase in ad valorem tax revenue, a $423,000 decrease in local discretionary sales tax (surtax) revenue and a $75,700,000 decrease in capital expenses as major changes since the workshop.

Nut graf: The council was asked to approve the HVAC expenditure on consent so the contractor could proceed under an emergency authorization; the low-bidder’s estimated delivery time for the new unit was six weeks and the recommended replacement is a full-system install with a 1-year labor warranty and a 5-year equipment warranty.

Joe, a public works staff member, told council the low bid from “Mr. King” was $304,478 and said most vendors were quoting 12 to 16 weeks for availability, while the recommended contractor projected a six-week lead time. Ed Spears said staff had already authorized the contractor to proceed as an emergency repair and asked council to ratify that action on consent.

Council members asked clarifying questions about whether the replacement used existing lines or required full replacement of copper and refrigerant lines; Joe answered it was a complete replacement of the system and lines.

Ending: Council signaled general agreement to place the item on the consent agenda for formal approval at the regular meeting, and staff said it would provide an agenda item number for the expenditure.