Garfield County commissioners on Sept. 8 approved a supplemental budget request of $24,634 to restore fire-recall service and emergency backup power to the courthouse inmate elevator after a five-year inspection identified damaged wiring.

County facilities staff told commissioners a five-year test of the inmate elevator, performed by the county’s elevator contractor and witnessed by state inspectors, showed the fire-safety recall and emergency power functions were not working. Further investigation found that wiring for those systems had been cut and removed inadvertently by a previous elevator contractor while working on another elevator; roughly 125 feet of wiring was removed, facilities staff said.

The elevator remains in operation under a temporary 60-day certificate; the county must restore the life-safety functions to continue compliant operations. The facilities director said the current contractor can complete the work within the 60-day period and the county may pursue damages from the former contractor through procurement and legal channels.

Commissioners approved the supplemental budget and asked legal and procurement staff to evaluate potential recovery options. The contractor’s repair estimate and scope were included in the meeting packet.

What’s next: Facilities will proceed with the wiring repairs and restoration work, schedule the contractor and report back to the board. The county will also explore potential claims against the prior contractor with procurement and the county attorney’s office.