County warns of aging HVAC units at Juvenile Detention Center; replacements likely before winter
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Summary
Facility staff reported multiple rooftop unit failures at the Juvenile Detention Center; commissioners were briefed on warranty questions, diagnostic costs and likely replacement needs ahead of winter heating season.
Portage County facilities staff reported on July 17 that multiple rooftop HVAC units at the Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) are failing and will likely require replacement.
Facilities staff said the JDC has five rooftop units, three of which are showing the most immediate problems. One unit has a drive that may be covered by warranty; diagnostics and a potential replacement drive were estimated at $6,500. Staff described extensive ductwork damage discovered while investigating the drive, noting ceiling tiles had been removed and holes visible in duct sections.
"It's possibly under warranty," a facilities presenter said of the drive, and added that diagnostics are underway. That same presenter said other units are aging — all the rooftop units are over 30 years old — and multiple compressors are out on another unit, leaving a single compressor running in one pod and temporary units deployed to manage temperature through summer.
Facilities staff and outside contractors are working to isolate problems and develop a replacement plan. The presenter said the failing units also provide heat in winter, and urged that replacements or repairs be addressed before colder months.
Commissioners were not given a final cost estimate for full replacement; staff said they would provide a project update and a resolution if a purchase or contract is required. The presentation also included brief updates on other building projects (an Admin Building third-floor compressor scheduled for installation the week of July 28, completed brick pillar work and a planned Justice Center parking-lot project).