Facilities reports high HVAC demand, jail camera and roof projects; generator rental dispute remains unresolved

Josephine County facilities staff briefed the board on multiple ongoing capital and maintenance items, including substantial HVAC demands, a nearly completed jail camera upgrade, a planned jail reroof project, evidence facility work, and an unresolved generator rental invoice.

Facilities director reported a surge in HVAC service calls (from roughly 50 calls in spring to about 300 in the current month) and said the department is still recruiting to restore staffing. The department is near substantial completion on a 126-camera upgrade at the jail and is preparing to put the jail roof out to bid once architectural specifications are finalized; staff hope to complete roof work before the rainy season.

On the county generator, staff said a contractor diagnosed a catastrophic problem and a large rental generator was brought in at a high daily rate. Subsequent diagnostics by two independent mechanics indicated the county's primary generator was serviceable and the rental may have been unnecessary. Facilities staff said they have asked the rental company to stop charges and sought to have rental fees waived; if negotiations fail they will consult county counsel about the invoice.

Facilities also described evidence-storage expansion work pending fencing and final rock, and noted a maintenance reserve (property reserve) balance reported at about $1.4 million. Commissioners praised facilities staff for responsiveness and noted continued prioritization of safety and security systems.