The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners voted to approve the purchase of a Millermatic/Multimatic 220 welder for $6,808.59 for use by county maintenance and jail staff.

County maintenance staff and commissioners discussed the specifications, portability and uses of the machine before the vote. Maintenance staff said the multifunction machine can run AC/DC, TIG and MIG and is compact enough to be used inside the jail where larger welders cannot be powered. "I'm a very experienced guy," the maintenance worker said when asked whether he could operate the machine.

The machine was described as capable of welding stainless steel, aluminum and other metals that the county needs repaired, including kitchen equipment and interior speaker boxes in pods that cannot accept large power draws. Staff said the county had three vendor quotes within about $45 of each other and identified Norco as the selected vendor.

On funding, the maintenance presenter said he would shift money from other line items, naming carpet-cleaning and tool budgets as possible sources. He said there remained unspent funds in his budget that could cover the purchase. Commissioners did not require additional budget action at the meeting and approved the purchase by motion and roll call.

No amendments or contingencies to the purchase were recorded in the meeting minutes. The county intends to issue a purchase order and proceed with acquiring the welder from Norco.

The meeting transcript shows the item was discussed during the open session following a morning recess and that commissioners acknowledged the procurement details and funding source options prior to voting.