Property Committee approves two hot-gas air handlers for McLean County Museum, delays third unit to 2026 budget

The McLean County Property Committee on Tuesday approved an amended proposal to replace air handlers at the McLean County Museum of History, authorizing two units with the hot-gas dehumidification option now and earmarking a third unit for the FY2026 budget.

Committee members chose the split purchase after facilities staff described four bid options and explained that a hot-gas configuration captures waste heat to extend runtime and improve dehumidification in sensitive storage areas. "A lot of people think it adds cold air, but it's actually removing heat," Scott Steffa, director of Parks and Recreation, said while explaining the hot-gas process.

The committee approved the base bid for units 1 and 2 with the hot-gas option, reported at $36,700, and agreed to place the alternate bid for unit 3 with the hot-gas option, reported at $15,900, into FY2026 funding discussions. Facilities staff had said selecting all three hot-gas units would total $52,600, while the project originally carried a $30,000 allocation. Administrator Taylor explained the difference in those figures and noted the county would need to cover any amount not covered by grants or other sources.

Member Tompkins emphasized the preservation need: "Perhaps having the option that provides the dehumidification would be desirable," Tompkins said, noting museum holdings include documents and photographs. Steffa confirmed the hot-gas option would reduce humidity in storage areas and could help address prior mold issues.

Committee members discussed funding strategies, including proceeding with two upgraded units now (a smaller overage compared with the budgeted $30,000) and funding the third unit from the 2026 facilities allocations. Committee discussion referenced planned facility budgets of $50,000 for 2026–2028 for future units. Steffa cautioned that the existing third unit is "well over its lifespan already. Honestly, it could quit tomorrow or it could run another couple years," and said replacement parts are difficult to obtain for the older equipment.

A member moved to approve the two-unit hot-gas purchase now and earmark the third unit for 2026; Member Bangert seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote. The committee then voted to approve the 4b1a item as amended by voice vote; recorded roll-call tallies were not provided in the meeting transcript.

The committee's action authorizes the Facilities Department to proceed with contracting and to return with invoices and further documentation to the committee as required by county procurement policy.