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Public Safety Center needs custom chiller replacement; supervisors warned reserves will be drawn down
Summary
Staff told the board the Public Safety Center’s 12–13‑year‑old chiller/control system is at end‑of‑life, requires custom design and replacement, and that reserves/transfers would be used; supervisors raised concerns about depleting contingency and fund accounting.
Facilities staff described an urgent infrastructure project: a chiller and control‑system replacement at the Public Safety Center that cannot be satisfied with an off‑the‑shelf unit and requires a custom design. Staff said Hoffman Mechanical Solutions performs maintenance under a standing agreement and has been the service vendor; parts for the existing system are no longer available.
The presenter said the project includes equipment, removal, disposal and design work and listed standard exclusions (normal working hours, certain life‑safety or water‑treatment work done by others, asbestos abatement). Board members pressed on sole‑source justification, the vendor selection process and the source of funds. Finance staff explained the replacement would be covered by reserves/transfers and the county would use contingency, merit, and compensation funds as appropriate; supervisors cautioned that the fiscal year contingency is being depleted by several unplanned demands.
One supervisor noted prior spending of approximately $80,000 for repairs and expressed concern that bringing this project forward now will use a large share of the current year’s contingency. Staff also referenced a broader five‑year projection of HVAC replacements and an approximate $1.4 million anticipated need for HVAC work over five years; the chiller project is one prioritized item among capital needs.
Next steps: staff said they would bring procurement documents and transfer requests for formal board action; supervisors asked staff to continue seeking grant or alternate funding opportunities where available.
