Henry County’s 911 generator out of service; rental generator in use while parts back‑ordered

County staff told commissioners on March 12 that the county’s primary backup generator for the 911 center and county servers failed to start during a weekly test following recent preventive maintenance.

The facilities speaker said technicians performed semiannual maintenance, changed fuel filters and left the unit running, but it failed to start on the weekly test. Technicians told staff on Monday that “if we continued having issues, it may need a couple parts replaced,” the staff member said; the vendor had not confirmed parts availability or provided a written quote by the meeting.

Because the 911 generator is critical for dispatch and county servers, staff arranged for a rental emergency generator and paid for wiring and electrician services. The speaker said the vendor quoted roughly $5,500 for the first week including emergency costs and electricians and estimated about $1,000 per week for the rental; exact costs and a repair quote remain pending while parts are back-ordered.

A commissioner suggested getting a second opinion from a diesel mechanic because the suspected repairs (lift pump or seals) are not necessarily expensive. The facilities staff agreed to seek further estimates and to try to get clearer communication and a written quote from the vendor.

Ending: The rental generator remains in place and staff will seek a second opinion and pursue a definitive quote and parts availability; the county is funding the rental from departmental budgets.