Council OKs jail control-system upgrade; commissary funds approved for dryer repair

Clinton County Council members on Aug. 19 approved two jail-related expenditures: an upgrade to the facility’s central control computer system and a commissary-funded repair to a commercial dryer.

The sheriff described the current control computer as a decades-old system “nicknamed… the Oregon Trail,” saying the vendor Havel provided the quote to replace the system and that the county is at “end of life” on the existing hardware. The sheriff told the council the upgrade is intended to bring the heating and control systems into modern support and to allow follow-on work replacing valves and actuators.

The council authorized the sheriff to spend the vendor-quoted amount from the jail corrections LIT (local income tax) fund; the motion passed unanimously, 7-0. The sheriff also asked the council to approve a repair to a commercial dryer for $3,891.40, to be paid from commissary funds; the council approved that repair by voice vote, 7-0.

Why it matters: The computer controls heating, ventilation and other building systems, and sheriff’s office staff said the upgrade would complete earlier boiler and chiller work. The sheriff warned additional actuator and valve replacements could be required and that those costs would likely be substantial.

Details and follow-up: The sheriff said a third-party assessment and additional actuator work will likely follow the computer replacement; staff said the county has special-distribution revenues this year that can cover the request. The sheriff asked staff to proceed with repairs and upgrades and to return to the council with any further budget needs if required.