Commission reviews two Johnson Controls proposals to modernize courthouse HVAC controls; asks for more detail

Chase County staff presented two proposals from Johnson Controls on Jan. 31 to modernize the courthouse building automation and HVAC controls. One option is a phased approach spread over multiple budget years; the other is a single‑phase modernization. The proposals differ in scope and price — staff cited figures in the meeting of about $93,004.61 for the phased route and about $128,007.25 for an all‑at‑once modernization — and both would replace obsolete controllers installed in the mid‑2000s.

Staff explained the existing control system dates to roughly 2005–2007 and several field devices (thermostats and controllers) have failed or no longer communicate with the server; that causes individual zones (for example the judge’s chambers) to lose automated temperature control. Staff said routine repairs and legacy reprogramming are increasingly expensive and that replacement controllers would allow remote access, trending, alarming and improved scheduling.

Commissioners asked for additional information, including whether the new installation would require replacing an existing laptop/server, potential energy‑tax credit eligibility, and whether new hardware would interact with the recently installed chiller. Staff asked Tony (facilities) to provide a walkthrough of the proposed controls and said they would bring more detailed cost/phase information back to the commission before any appropriation.

Outcome: presentation accepted for further review; no appropriation or contract award was made at the Jan. 31 meeting.