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Osage County approves $33,594.48 purchase order to replace vaccines after generator failure; commissioners discuss replacing aging generator
Summary
Following a power outage and failed automatic generator transfer at the county health department, commissioners approved a purchase order to replace spoiled vaccines and discussed replacing the facility’s homeowner‑grade generator with a commercial unit and applying for grant funding.
The Osage County Board of Commissioners approved a purchase order to replace vaccines lost during a county power outage and discussed replacing the health department’s generator after staff reported the existing unit failed to provide reliable backup power.
County health staff reported the cost to replace the lost vaccine inventory at $33,594.48 and asked the board to approve purchase order number 3982 to McKesson. The commissioners voted to approve the purchase order; the motion carried by voice vote.
Health staff and commissioners also discussed the generator that failed to maintain continuous power during the storm. Staff said the installed unit—a homeowner‑grade Generac—cycled on and off during outages and did not reliably restart, allowing vaccine refrigeration to warm and spoiling product. Staff shared a vendor quote that included a larger generator plus electrical work; the higher‑capacity option was approximately $73,000 in total after installation and an automatic transfer switch were included in the estimate.
Commissioners and health staff said they will pursue potential reimbursement through grants and insurance. The health director said the immunization grant budget is limited (the department’s annual immunization grant was described as about $4,500) and that other grants might be available; commissioners discussed using capital improvement funds temporarily and seeking reimbursement if a grant is awarded. Staff also recommended purchasing a service agreement and at least one year of maintenance to maintain load tests and warranty coverage.
No final vote on a replacement generator was recorded at the meeting; instead, staff were directed to gather complete cost, installation and warranty/service agreement documents and pursue grant options with the county’s grant administrator. The approved purchase order for replacement vaccines was processed so the health department could restore immunization inventory quickly.
Quote from the meeting: “To replace what we lost, the total will be $33,594.48,” health department staff said while requesting the purchase order.
The board asked staff to return with a finalized turnkey cost and documentation of warranties and service contracts before signing any purchase orders for a new generator. Commissioners also discussed options to move the existing Generac to another county facility if it remains serviceable for a less‑demand application.
