Taylor council approves $2.36 million HVAC contract, golf simulator and other purchases; clerk warns of election timing conflict

Taylor City Council approved a series of purchases and a budget amendment at its Oct. 21 meeting, including a $2,249,200 low bid from Monroe Plumbing & Heating for HVAC replacement at City Hall and the police department plus a 5% contingency (total not to exceed $2,361,660). The council also approved a $52,610 purchase of golf-simulator equipment for Taylor Meadows, a $121,500 blanket hosting agreement for CRM services, and several smaller safety and equipment purchases.

Why it matters: the HVAC work is the largest single contract on the agenda and is funded through capital outlay and state police forfeiture capital outlay; the CRM hosting contract is charged to the water and sewer administration enterprise fund. Together the actions affect facility operations, utility customer service and the golf course's revenue operations.

What the council did: the council approved the agenda with a late addition (the golf simulator), accepted minutes from Oct. 7, authorized purchases from Amazon for fire training equipment ($2,466) and Stryker medical devices ($4,745), awarded the Monroe Plumbing & Heating contract for HVAC replacement at City Hall and Police Department (base $2,249,200; 5% contingency), approved vehicle repairs for a police Tahoe ($20,532), received September invoice and budget performance reports, and adopted budget amendment 20-26-001 (dated 10/21/2025). A blanket purchase agreement with RSM for CRM hosting not to exceed $121,500 was also approved.

Budget and funding: council members and staff confirmed the HVAC and other capital costs are budgeted and will not draw on the general fund balance beyond planned allocations. The HVAC item was described by staff as a substantial upgrade that replaces aged rooftop chillers with forced-air units, tandem boilers and a new 180-ton outside unit; staff said ductwork is not part of this contract and that the bidder accounted for façade and roof adjustments as needed.

Election timing: City Clerk (speaking to the council) said local precincts will be open Nov. 4 with early voting starting Oct. 25 and that Wayne County has until Nov. 18 to certify results. "The county does have until November 18 to certify the election," the clerk said, noting the county deadline could make it impossible to swear in newly elected officials on the Monday following the Nov. 4 election as the charter prescribes. Council members discussed possible special meetings and follow-up with legal counsel.

Votes at a glance (outcomes as recorded): - Approve agenda with late addition (motion carried) - Approve minutes (10/07/2025) (carried) - Amazon training equipment for Station 1 — Not to exceed $2,466 (approved) - Stryker ProCare service and LP 15 devices — Not to exceed $4,745 (approved) - Monroe Plumbing & Heating — HVAC installation (base $2,249,200; total not to exceed $2,361,660) (approved) - Downriver Body Works — Police Tahoe repairs $20,532 (approved) - Receive and file September 2025 paid invoices (approved) - Receive and file September 2025 budget reports (approved) - Budget amendment 20-26-001 (dated 10/21/2025) (approved) - Blanket purchase agreement with RSM for CRM hosting — Not to exceed $121,500 (approved) - Carl's Place golf simulator purchase — Not to exceed $52,610 (approved)

What to watch next: staff said bids and submittals were reviewed by architects and engineers and that detailed technical submittals are available for council review; council members requested a consolidated IT/contractual spending breakdown from staff to clarify recurring and enterprise fund charges. The clerk and council noted that Wayne County's certification schedule will determine when newly elected officials can be sworn in and whether a special meeting will be needed.

The council adjourned at 7:42 p.m.