Cole County delays full decision on jail HVAC replacement after commissioners debate options and costs

Commissioners on Nov. 26 discussed multiple procurement approaches for replacing rooftop HVAC units at the Cole County Jail but did not authorize full replacement at the meeting.

Facilities and public works staff described options to bid and purchase units either in phases (pods first) or all at once and raised concerns about warranty start dates if units were stored before installation. Commissioner 14 said he had proposed a $2 million placeholder and that estimates he’d heard ranged from $1.2 million to $2.6 million; staff repeatedly said final costs depend on bids.

Commissioners asked about warranty terms, crane logistics and staged replacement to avoid repeated mobilization costs. Staff suggested a base bid with alternates and purchasing spares to have on hand; others urged caution because warranties can expire if units sit in storage too long. The group agreed to ask staff to return next week with three preferred procurement options (preferred option 1, preferred option 2, preferred option 3) so the commission can make a more informed decision.

No procurement contract for full replacement was signed at the Nov. 26 meeting; commissioners emphasized urgency but chose to gather additional detail before committing multi‑million dollar capital funds.