Chase County officials hear detailed report on detention center plumbing, generator and electrical problems

Maintenance staff told the Chase County Board of Commissioners on July 7 that crews have faced repeated failures of shower and flow-control valves at the Chase County Detention Center because of heavy mineral (hard-water) deposits and age, and that repairs have triggered other electrical and mechanical issues that briefly shut down the facility.

The maintenance presenter said parts costs for the affected water valves totaled “around $3,000 in the last 3 months.” He described valves with cracked bases that must be replaced wholesale (about $200 each) and smaller diaphragm kits that cost about $40 each. “If I have a crack, I have to replace that whole valve,” the maintenance staff said. He added that the department had purchased about 16–18 new valves in the past three months and that ultrasonic cleaning and rebuilds extend life but cannot restore badly worn bases.

Why it matters: commissioners were told that persistent valve and water-quality problems create recurring expense, increase staff workload and occasionally trigger detainee complaints that can cascade into further maintenance issues. The report highlighted potential one-time and recurring costs — for valves, a $7,000 commercial water heater replacement that had failed because of deposits, and ongoing service for electrical and generator systems.

Most important facts

- Cause and scale: Staff attributed repeated failures to hard-water deposits and aging components. They noted the detention center previously had a water-softening system that reduced problems; staff do not know why it was removed.

- Costs and inventory: The presenter said about $3,000 in parts costs over the previous three months, roughly 16–18 full valve replacements during that period, valve bases costing about $200 each and diaphragm kits roughly $40 each. A recent commercial water heater replacement cost about $7,000, according to the presentation.

- Electrical and generator issues: Staff reported carbon buildup in switchgear (the main incoming 600-amp assembly), which they said had caused outages and damage to CTs (current transformers); the department replaced fuses and disconnects and provided photos to the insurance adjuster. Staff also described generator “exercise” events that produced short spikes from about 60 amps to roughly 150 amps, which can trigger low-fuel alarms and light flicker. Two air-conditioning units remain on the emergency panel and each draws about 28 amps; staff proposed moving at least one off the emergency circuit to avoid generator surges.

- Remedial steps: Staff said they are ultrasonic-cleaning and rebuilding modules when possible, replacing entire valve assemblies when necessary, inspecting and cleaning switchgear, and planning to investigate whether a bad AC unit or cross-wiring between emergency and regular panels is causing surges. They also proposed exploring reinstalling a water-softening system but noted ongoing salt and maintenance costs would need to be compared to current replacement costs.

Quotes and attributions

- “These water valves are at the jail…parts cost for these particular water valves around $3,000 in the last 3 months,” Maintenance staff said.

- “One of those units…will draw 28 amps. So you’re talking about 60 amps…and when they come on, they surge that emergency panel,” Maintenance staff said, describing how the two air-conditioning units interact with the generator.

Context and supporting detail

Maintenance staff described using an ultrasonic cleaner combined with Simple Green and heat to remove deposits and rebuild diaphragms, but noted that valve bases eventually loosen and crack. They recommended routine electrical switchgear cleaning (often done by contractors on a one- to two-year cycle) to reduce carbon buildup and extend equipment life.

Staff also flagged possible building-configuration issues found in a recent inspection: a return-air intake in the southport/EMS area that could draw vehicle exhaust into occupied spaces when vehicles are run inside a bay. The presenter said the inspection raised a safety question about return-air placement that could require future corrective work.

What commissioners asked and next steps

Commissioners asked the presenter to check historical records with a former employee (John Hagelin was mentioned) to determine where any prior water-softening equipment was located and why it was removed. Staff said they would test water hardness with a kit and follow up on the generator/AC circuit issue. No formal county policy decision or appropriation was taken at the meeting; the item was a status briefing and request for follow-up analysis.

Clarifying details recorded during the report

- Parts costs: about $3,000 in the past three months for valves and components. - Valve pricing: full valve ≈ $200; diaphragm kit ≈ $40. - Water heater: a recent commercial unit replacement ≈ $7,000. - Switchgear: main incoming assembly described as 600 amps; contractor cleaning recommended every 1–2 years. - Generator: exercise spikes from ~60 amps to ~150 amps for 2–3 seconds; low-fuel alarms occurred during spikes. - AC units: two units on emergency panel, ~28 amps each. - Replacements bought: ~16–18 new valves in last three months. - Water-softener: previously installed, removed at unknown time; staff will consult former employee John Hagelin for details.

Community relevance and implementation risk

- Geographies: Chase County Detention Center; senior center and EMS spaces were also discussed for related building issues. - Impact groups: detainees, detention-center staff, jail maintenance personnel, county insurers. - Funding sources: repair and maintenance funds currently used; reinstallation of a water-softening system would require a cost analysis to compare capital and operating costs (salt, service) with ongoing repair expenses. - Implementation risk: medium — fixes may require external contractors (electrical switchgear cleaning, generator inspection, possible rewiring) and capital outlay (water-softening equipment) and could require insurance or utility coordination (Evergy was named) and further budgeting.

Ending

County maintenance staff said they will continue day-to-day repairs, gather water-hardness test data, research the previous water-softening installation with former staff, and follow up with commissioners on potential rewiring or circuit changes to reduce generator surges and light flicker. No formal vote or appropriation occurred.