County hears costly estimates to repair failing courthouse and jail air‑conditioning; vendors compared

Erath County Commissioners Court on July 16 heard detailed estimates and vendor comparisons after county facilities staff described multiple failing air‑conditioning units in county buildings, including the jail and the Third Floor of the justice center.

County facilities staff told the court several quotes are in hand: for a Third Floor compressor replacement one vendor quoted about $6,400 while a second vendor proposed roughly $4,900. For larger replacements at the justice center and the jail, staff gave ballpark figures ranging from roughly $12,000 for a single unit to estimates in the $16,000–$18,000 range for some replacements. Staff also described a potential full replacement scenario for multiple units that could run into the high five‑ or low six‑figure range if done countywide.

Why it matters: commissioners repeatedly flagged the potential for major capital outlays if older rooftop systems continue to fail, and staff urged planning for phased replacement rather than a single, very large purchase. Facilities staff said vendor prices vary widely; one local contractor the staff trusts, identified in discussion as Cashin, has charged rates below several competitors for many routine repairs, while a new bidder, American 1 Call, offered lower quotes on specific jobs. Staff recommended keeping both vendors on call for emergencies and seeking multiple bids on work above the county''s informal threshold.

Details: staff described a freezer issue at the jail that has repeatedly iced up and that required a diagnostic visit; one vendor gave an initial ballpark of about $1,800 for diagnosis and a broader repair estimate in the $15,000–$18,000 range if parts or larger repairs were required. For a different unit on the Third Floor staff reported Cashin''s quote of $6,400 to change a compressor versus American 1 Call''s $4,900 quote for the same work.

Commissioners and staff discussed procurement practice and price variance. At one point a staff speaker noted that "by law" multiple quotes are needed when single jobs exceed an informal threshold mentioned in the meeting as $3,000; commissioners pressed staff to document exact procurement thresholds and to work to keep repairs local where possible to support county businesses and reduce travel/mileage charges.

Staff said the county has one major installation estimate that could run into the mid‑six figures if full system replacements were required for multiple aging units. Commissioners asked staff to pursue a phased replacement plan that spreads cost over multiple years, to seek additional competitive quotes for any job above the county''s existing solicitation thresholds, and to return with refined cost estimates and recommendations for contingency funding.

Ending: staff said they would continue securing written quotes and that the court could use contingency or capital improvement funds if a time‑sensitive opportunity or emergency arises. Commissioners asked staff to return with precise procurement thresholds, the written quotes, and recommended next steps for a phased replacement schedule.