Council approves engineering study to move utilities away from server room after repeated concerns

The Floyd County Council on Tuesday approved an additional appropriation to pay for an engineering study to move water pipes and protect critical information-technology equipment in the courthouse.

Diana Topping, speaking for county staff, said the appropriation funds an engineering study so the sheriff and county officials can pick among viable plans and then solicit bids. "This is just the engineering study. This is not the actual work that has to be done," she said.

The issue drew sustained questions from at least one council member who pressed why a study would be needed to move three pipes and whether the county's existing contractors could do the work at lower cost. The council member stressed the risk to millions of dollars in IT equipment if pipes failed and said he wanted working drawings and specifications to be included.

Staff and other council members said the study will allow the county to prepare an RFP and evaluate options, and that initial engineering estimates to date total about $22,050 with the requested $25,000 added to cover any additional costs to complete the study and RFP materials. The sheriff's office will review study options and decide on a viable plan before final design and bidding.

After discussion the council approved the appropriation and directed staff to move forward with the study and return with bid documents if the plan is viable.

Ending: The appropriation funds only an engineering study and does not commit the county to construction. Further appropriations and contract approvals would be required for construction work.