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Commissioners ask for more detail on Johnson Controls proposal to update courthouse HVAC controls
Summary
Chase County commissioners discussed a proposal to update building controls at the courthouse, questioned long‑term costs and obsolescence, and asked staff to obtain full-system estimates and vendor compatibility information.
Chase County Commissioners questioned Feb. 10 whether to move forward with a proposal to update the courthouse’s HVAC controls and asked staff to collect more detailed cost and risk information before any decision.
Staff described a controls-focused proposal from Johnson Controls that would replace or update control components controlling motors and thermostats and noted quoted figures during the meeting. One figure discussed for doing the work “all at once” was reported in the discussion as roughly $93,460; a multi‑year plan figure was mentioned but not fully specified in the transcript.
Commissioners pressed staff on whether a partial upgrade would leave components obsolete in a few years and whether the county faces a near‑term risk of system failure that would force a larger, more expensive replacement. Staff said the chillers themselves are currently “okay” but that the control computer in the basement and some thermostats are aging and losing functionality.
The board directed staff to obtain a full estimate for replacing controls across the building, seek alternative vendors beyond Johnson Controls, and consult county maintenance (Tony) for compatibility and risk assessment. Commissioners asked for clear cost scenarios (full replacement versus phased controls updates) and information about failure risk and problem locations before making any capital commitment.
No formal vote was taken; the county will return with more complete estimates and vendor comparisons.
