County staff update commissioners on sheriff’s office HVAC options, jail project site visit and sewer tie-in

County staff reported to the Morrow County Board of Commissioners on March 24 that they are seeking updated quotes to repair leaking air handlers in the sheriff’s office and are weighing whether to install a redundant HVAC system that would provide backup cooling for sensitive equipment.

Staff said Mark (maintenance) previously obtained a detailed design and quote last year from a contractor identified in the meeting as Alan (Alan Creech). A second, lower-cost quote inspected only replacing some on-site parts and would not provide a redundant system. Staff told commissioners that the redundancy option would likely cost about $20,000 more than the parts-replacement approach based on earlier estimates.

The county’s procurement rules and state bid thresholds were discussed: staff said the redundancy option would remain below the state’s formal bid threshold but that county policy prefers a minimum of two competitive bids. Staff also said an updated quote is expected soon because the contractor previously designed the work and can recheck quantities and labor; the county’s usual maintenance contact, Colton, was on vacation and other staff are covering his work.

While the board did not take a formal vote on the HVAC work at the March 24 meeting, staff said temporary measures — including opening doorway areas and using fans — are in place to maintain airflow until repairs or replacement are done. Staff indicated they will present updated quotes and a recommendation at the next maintenance update, scheduled for Wednesday’s meeting.

Separately, staff reported demolition began on a county office space project and that the Homer Road sewer tie-in was progressing; contractors were on-site drilling concrete and tying the sewer line, and staff said the sewer project remains on track for completion by the end of April. County staff also updated commissioners on jail planning: a state review team plans an on-site visit to walk through the jail to review scope changes (including proposed indoor recreation) so staff and the reviewers can align recommendations for Phase 1 of a five-phase plan.

The meeting included a brief personnel note: staff member Rhonda Justice was recognized on the record as retiring from the county’s developmental disabilities department; an open house or retirement event was noted in the meeting comments.

Next steps listed in the meeting record: staff will request an updated HVAC quote (including a revised cost for the redundancy option) from the prior contractor, confirm whether two responsive quotes are available under county policy, and return to the board with those numbers at the scheduled maintenance update meeting.