Council approves generator installation at Fire Station No. 3 after debate over $220,000 installation cost

The City of Plantation on May 21 approved a contract to remove an existing interior generator and install a replacement at Fire Station No. 3. The generator unit itself was previously purchased; the vote authorized the scope of work that includes site preparation, a concrete pad, drainage, a new transfer switch, fencing and electrical work needed to connect and commission the unit.

Council discussion focused on the apparent disparity between the vendor list price for a comparable generator and the low number of responsive bids and high installation totals. Council member Anderson questioned the pricing after staff referenced a vendor MSRP around $53,000: “It still seems extremely high for a $50,000 generator that it costs 225,000 to install it. It's just insane.”

City staff explained the total reflects more than the generator purchase: the project covers removal of the existing interior unit, engineering and design work, a compatible transfer switch (the existing switch was incompatible), electrical runs, earthwork, testing and a contractor contingency. Charles Spencer, project manager for administration, said the generator had been purchased two years earlier and that the installation scope grew once the city evaluated the work required on-site. Asher Edwards, assistant procurement director, told the council that bidding conditions and recent labor and material price increases had reduced bidder participation and raised prices compared with past projects.

Vote and next steps: The council approved the item by roll call (yes: 5, no: 0). Staff reported the project budget includes a contingency and allowances; administration will proceed with contract execution and construction scheduling. A formal construction timeline and contract amount will be finalized through the city’s procurement and capital-projects process.