Commissioners prefer hard‑wired generator monitoring; will seek council funding

The county’s 9‑1‑1/maintenance staff presented options on May 19 for monitoring the courthouse generator and commissioners signaled a preference for a one‑time hard‑wired monitoring panel rather than a subscription‑based internet monitoring service.

Staff reviewed two vendor approaches: (1) a hard‑wired local monitoring panel installation estimated in staff discussion at roughly $5,200 for installation and hardware, which produces local audible and visual alarms in county offices, and (2) a remote/web‑based subscription option that included an up‑front fitting charge (about $1,400 reported) plus an annual subscription fee (example cited: $350 per year) and ongoing subscription increases that could make the subscription more expensive over a long term. Staff said the subscription model could pay for itself in multiple years if the subscription price remained stable, but commissioners expressed concern about locking in recurring subscription costs for the county’s emergency generator system.

The generator is a significant capital asset and staff said it is important for operations and ISO‑type readiness to know when the building is running on generator power and when the generator requires mechanical attention. Commissioners asked staff to confirm the vendor quotes, verify warranty implications of any third‑party wiring, and check whether the hard‑wiring option would jeopardize any manufacturer warranty. Commissioners indicated a preference for the hard‑wired panel (one‑time cost) and directed staff to bring the installation request and costs forward to the county council for funding approval.

Staff will confirm warranty questions with the generator manufacturer, complete procurement paperwork and submit the recommended hard‑wire installation for council appropriation and approval.