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Courthouse elevator, chiller issues flagged; county staff propose $60,000-plus elevator upgrade
Summary
County facilities staff told commissioners the courthouse chiller is running on a single stage and that one elevator’s valves are failing; officials said an elevator upgrade would cost about $60,000–$65,000 and that staff will schedule continuing maintenance until parts arrive.
Facilities staff informed Fulton County commissioners on April 7 that the courthouse cooling and elevator systems need repairs and that staff are working to limit operational impacts.
Carrie Beard, who spoke for facilities maintenance, said the courthouse chiller’s second stage is out and replacement compressors and parts are on order; staff hope the parts arrive before summer. She also reported that the elevator is aging, is dropping slightly when passengers step in and has delayed door re-openings, and that TK Elevator — the contractor that inspects the unit — advised replacement of valves and associated components.
Beard provided a preliminary cost estimate for the elevator work: "...it's gonna be somewhere around 60 to 65,000. It's a new valve system and tank and everything to change it out to keep it upgraded and keep it maintained," she told the board.
In the interim, contractor visits and weekly checks were described as mitigation steps to ensure the elevator remains operational and safe until the replacement work can be performed. Beard also asked commissioners for help scheduling a walk-through of attic storage to remove excess weight and old equipment; county staff later agreed to meet after a drainage board session to review items for disposal.
Why it matters
An aging elevator with delayed door action can pose inconvenience and a potential safety concern for staff and visitors; the chiller problem could impair cooling during summer months. The expected cost is a county capital maintenance item and will require procurement and budgeting follow-up.
Next steps
Facilities will provide a formal estimate and schedule for the elevator upgrade; staff will continue periodic checks until the work is complete. Commissioners agreed to a follow-up walk-through to identify removable attic equipment and to authorize rehiring a longtime part‑time mower for grounds maintenance (a personnel rehire was discussed informally during the meeting).
