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County to solicit bids and vendor inspection after courthouse boiler valves fail
Summary
County staff reported two failing boiler header valves and recommended replacement; a local contractor will inspect and produce a written estimate, and commissioners discussed getting multiple quotes and confirming water-treatment history.
McPherson County staff told commissioners two large courthouse boiler header valves are leaking and recommended replacement rather than rebuild after a review of labor and parts costs.
Staff said the valve work could be a single-day replacement for both valves but noted long lead times for parts (estimated 4–6 weeks). DNR Controls, the previous service provider, no longer performs those repairs; staff recommended soliciting bids from other vendors. County staff asked for authority to obtain additional quotes and to pursue the replacement on an expedited schedule.
A boiler contractor who joined the meeting by phone (Speaker 10) agreed to have technicians inspect the valves, review the courthouse water-treatment history, and advise on valve selections that could reduce future weekend callouts. The contractor said the valves originally installed in 2017 appear newer than expected for a seat failure and that water chemistry could have accelerated wear; he will assemble a written estimate after inspection.
Commissioners agreed staff should pursue at least one on-site inspection and gather multiple bids before authorizing repairs. Staff also noted related ongoing maintenance requests, including replacement of radiator components in prior years after water-chemistry problems.
What’s next: Contractor to inspect and deliver a written estimate; staff will solicit additional bids and return with cost comparisons and a recommended course of action.
