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County told to replace corroded sprinkler heads and glycol at South Annex; repair bill estimated at about $18,300
Summary
A yearly fire inspection revealed corroded sprinkler heads and a glycol loop issue at the South Annex; the county was told it must replace heads and purchase new glycol at about $47 per gallon, producing an estimated bill of roughly $18,300.
A routine inspection of Valley County facilities flagged critical faults in the South Annex sprinkler system that must be corrected within 30 days, county staff told commissioners on Sept. 24.
Buildings and grounds staff reported the repairs will require replacing four corroded sprinkler heads at the north and south entrances and two heads in the mechanical room. The entrances are served by a glycol loop to prevent freezing; staff said current rules from the National Fire Protection Association no longer allow reuse of the drained glycol for refilling, so the county must purchase new glycol at about $47 per gallon and pay disposal costs.
Staff estimated roughly $16,000 for glycol and disposal and additional labor and parts leading to a combined bill of about $18,300. Staff clarified the sprinkler heads are located outside the planned remodel area and recommended completing the repairs despite ongoing remodeling because the heads are in unheated entrance areas.
Commissioners asked whether the issue should have been caught in previous inspections; staff said the problem was identified during the mandated annual fire-system inspection. Commissioners directed that the county cover the cost from county PILT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) funds, noting ARPA funds are being drawn down and would otherwise be depleted.
No vote was required; staff were instructed to proceed with repairs and route the invoice through the county’s normal payment process.
