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Coast Coliseum HVAC failure prompts temporary relocation and repair options
Summary
Coastal Mississippi will temporarily relocate while the Coliseum Commission and county explore repairs or full replacement of a 15-year-old mini-split HVAC system; the county may need to supplement funds or seek higher rent to cover costs.
The Coastal Mississippi staff told the Harrison County Board of Supervisors that a failing HVAC system at the Coast Coliseum requires temporary relocation of staff and event adjustments while the county evaluates repair or full replacement options.
Matt McDonald, representing the Coast Coliseum Commission, told supervisors the building uses about 32 mini-split units that control individual offices; condensation on refrigerated lines running overhead has caused repeated failures. Contractors contacted over the prior three weeks have recommended either re-insulating the lines or replacing the entire system, which McDonald said is more likely because the technology is older and repairs have repeatedly been needed.
McDonald said the units are more than 15 years old and that the mini-split technology used is now dated, which makes replacement components harder to source. He said the Coliseum has previously spent roughly $6,000 on repair work a few years ago and that budgets for the facility are limited because the county kept rent low for Coastal Mississippi. If replacement is required the county may either tap operating funds, seek help from partners (tourism commission was mentioned), or raise rent, a step the speaker said he would prefer to avoid so Coastal Mississippi can spend on programming.
Board members asked whether insulating the refrigerant lines could be a lower-cost fix; McDonald said insulating lines is the first approach but that, if unsuccessful, he would recommend moving to ducted HVAC rather than replacing mini-splits. He said the Coliseum Commission is prioritizing the work and will return with detailed cost proposals once bids are reviewed. The county—s representative said staff would keep supervisors updated and that Coliseum events and scheduled shows are continuing with contingencies.
McDonald noted the Coliseum has had successful events recently and a busy upcoming calendar; he emphasized the county—s interest in resolving the HVAC issue quickly to avoid disrupting booked performances.
