County seeks clearer bids for courthouse HVAC work; Johnson Controls says unit reheats need spot repairs, not annual overhaul

The board reviewed competing contractor proposals for maintenance and repairs to the courthouse heating, ventilation and boiler systems. Johnson Controls representatives on Zoom described a budgetary proposal to recommission 43 cabinet unit heaters and calibrate thermostats. Trevor, Johnson Controls’ service manager, said the firm’s proposal was intended as a one-time recommissioning rather than an annual requirement. “If things are working, you don't need to do any of that,” Trevor said; he recommended targeted work only for units showing problems and suggested a full recommission every five years.

Comfort Systems USA (the other vendor) presented a different scope focused on an ongoing maintenance program. Commissioners asked both firms to provide amended proposals: per-unit pricing (bill only for units worked on), clear line items, hourly rates, parts discounts and guaranteed response times. The board agreed to consider offers and to reconvene on the item at the following meeting.

Johnson Controls confirmed the county has an existing annual boiler maintenance agreement through July 31, 2027, that covers the two downstairs boilers; the new proposal was for domestic cabinet unit heaters and controls. Commissioners asked staff to gather hourly rates and response-time commitments and to request revised, itemized proposals from both vendors prior to the next meeting.