Lewis County requests upgrades for public‑health buildings and water lab to reduce operating costs and restore certifications
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Summary
Public‑health staff described outdated HVAC and building systems that increase utility costs and create service problems. The county requested state support for HVAC upgrades at the Law & Justice and Public Health buildings and minor capital work to keep the county water lab certified and self‑sustaining.
Public‑health and facilities staff told legislators on Oct. 21 that aging building systems are increasing operating costs and threatening service delivery in several county facilities.
At the Law & Justice Building, capital‑facilities staff said boilers and other HVAC components have exceeded their service life; a boiler failure last year left parts of the building without heat. Matt Tannis, capital facilities/infrastructure specialist, said the county is preparing an RFP to replace the boilers and address whole‑building HVAC needs; he noted grant opportunities for conversion from natural gas to electric under supplemental Climate Commitment Act programs could be relevant.
Misha (public‑health director) described a 1950s public‑health building with high utility costs, a malfunctioning elevator, and temperature extremes for clients and staff. "The idea that to run that building is so expensive ... is really problematic," Misha said, urging flexibility in program funding for infrastructure where appropriate.
Lewis County public‑health staff also outlined a modest water‑lab upgrade request: the county lab supports more than 85 group A and B water systems, and a recent equipment purchase reduced sample turnaround by 75%. Staff asked for cabinetry, windows and sink/counter upgrades needed for certified‑lab standards so the lab can operate without general‑fund subsidization.
Legislators and county lobbyists suggested Commerce and other program grants and asked for follow‑up documentation to identify statutory and contract limitations on allowable uses of foundational public‑health funds.