Commissioners authorize replacement of jail HVAC unit, to be paid from facility tax

The Greene County Board of Commissioners authorized replacement of a failed heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) unit in the original section of the county jail and directed that the cost be paid from the jail facility tax fund.

The sheriff told commissioners the unit — one of the original units on the older part of the jail — had run briefly after an attempted repair, but the compressor locked up and the heat exchanger was in poor condition. “We did try to repair it. It's been down about a week,” the sheriff said, noting rising humidity and heat were affecting adjacent parts of the building.

After discussing repair-versus-replacement options and receiving two quotes, a commissioner said replacement was likely the appropriate course. The board moved and seconded a motion to replace the unit and then also authorized the board president to negotiate and execute a contract for services to speed procurement.

A commissioner noted the expense will be paid from the jail’s facility tax. The board approved the motion by voice; the record shows no roll-call tally was provided during the meeting.

The board did not disclose a vendor name, contract amount, or an expected completion date during the public discussion. No contingency plan or interim mitigation (such as temporary cooling) was described on the record.