Commission approves $348,009 HVAC upgrade for Crossroads building amid design and Buy America concerns

Duchesne County commissioners approved a $348,009.22 contract for HVAC controls and upgrades at the Crossroads building during the Aug. 25 meeting.

Shane Jenkins, presenting the facilities recommendation, told commissioners the county recommends Solomon Mechanical for the work at $348,009.22 but is pursuing value engineering and vendor changes to reduce costs. Jenkins said the project has design complications: the new refrigerants specified in the design contain hydrocarbons that are flammable, requiring additional safety shutoffs and potentially removing some modulating features to make the system work as designed. "We're looking at value engineering still... a potential of $50,000 in savings," Jenkins said.

Jenkins also flagged Buy America requirements: while the equipment is assembled in the U.S., some internal components originate in Canada and Mexico, and staff are working to secure necessary waivers to satisfy grant conditions. Commissioners voted to accept the recommended bid; multiple commissioners voiced their support and the motion passed by voice vote.

Staff said they will continue negotiating with the engineer and manufacturer to finalize designs, seek waivers where required for grant compliance, and move forward with procurement and scheduling. Jenkins also briefed the commission on related facilities needs — including a proposed 1,300-gallon domestic hot-water tank (approx. $25,000 without installation) and necessary valve replacements — that may surface in future budget discussions.