The Christian County Commission voted to enter into an installation agreement with Liberty Utilities and to execute an associated easement that will allow the utility to install power to the county’s new clinic campus, the commission decided during its public meeting.

Todd, the county’s resource management director, told the commission he received an installation-cost proposal from Liberty on Monday showing a net charge to the county of $63,425.61 after Liberty’s offset for projected revenue; Liberty’s total projected construction cost without trenching was about $250,500. "I finally received a copy of an agreement between the county and Liberty for the cost to do the main install of electric to the campus. That amount is $63,425.61," Todd said.

The county attorney and the county auditor reviewed the agreement; the auditor signed off on the document as presented, Todd said. Commissioners approved a motion to enter into the installation agreement and to sign the easement; the action passed on a voice vote.

Why it matters: County staff said bringing permanent power to the clinic is on the project’s critical path. Without a firm schedule from Liberty for the install, the clinic’s completion and move-in work cannot be reliably scheduled. Commissioners discussed contingency planning — including temporary power and renting or buying a generator — to reduce the risk of schedule delay.

County staff described the scope of remaining work and the items that depend on permanent power. Todd said Liberty’s commitment to provide a firm schedule after the county returns the signed agreement is the primary remaining external dependency. He told commissioners that, if Liberty installs electricity several weeks before the county’s planned opening date, the remaining work should be achievable; staff estimated the project could meet the July 28 target if power and other late items fall into place.

Commissioners and staff discussed a series of related issues that could affect opening. They said trenching and some conduit work will be done by county maintenance staff to reduce cost; the county’s in-house work was accounted for in the estimate. Todd said Internet and cabling crews were on site and that vendor teams would need the permanent power to complete equipment installation and testing. He said temporary overhead power currently on site is not sufficient for full systems testing.

The commission also heard about an exterior metal wall-panel issue: contractors and the manufacturer have observed "oil canning" (surface waviness) in portions of the metal panels already installed. Todd said the manufacturer has offered to replace affected panels at their cost, but that lead time for replacement is uncertain and may affect exterior finish appearance. He said the building can be kept secure and water-tight while the county waits on replacement panels and that the issue is primarily aesthetic rather than functional.

Commissioners pressed staff on generator options as a fallback. Amy, the county auditor, and Todd discussed that a temporary or rental generator could be sized to support HVAC and other core systems so the county could proceed with final interior work and equipment testing if Liberty’s schedule slips. Commissioners directed staff to investigate generator sizing, cost, and availability and to report back with an estimate and procurement options.

The commission also asked for ongoing updates. Commissioner Bradley Jackson requested weekly status updates; Todd agreed to provide at least weekly progress reports and earlier notice if critical issues emerge.

The commission authorized county leaders to sign the Liberty Utilities installation agreement and the associated easement and directed staff to continue contingency planning for temporary power if Liberty cannot commit to the county’s schedule.

Ending: Staff will deliver the signed documents to Liberty and pursue a firm install date; commissioners asked to receive weekly project updates and a cost estimate for a generator contingency in case permanent power is delayed.