Scott County Fiscal Court voted to rebid its storm-shelter procurement, splitting the package into three parts and including alternates for electrical provisions and sitework.

Staff said a prior bid from Hinkle had been rejected; a negotiated figure of about $188,000 was discussed but it excluded solar backup, toilets and other alternates. The court directed staff to solicit three separate bid components: (1) purchase of the shelter shell and technical specifications, (2) groundwork and concrete placement as an alternate, and (3) an electrical package alternate that could include solar panels, inverters, batteries and a meter connection or a grid-tied electric service.

Discussion focused on whether solar plus batteries could sustain lighting and ventilation for extended periods after a storm. Mike Hennigan cautioned that installed battery systems on existing shelters provide roughly eight to ten hours of runtime under limited loads and that heavy device use (phone chargers, radios) can deplete batteries quickly. Magistrates also raised concerns about theft or wind damage to solar panels and the maintenance burden of a generator if the court chose that option.

Court members said rebidding in parts could attract additional subcontractors and allow a single bidder to bid 'any or all' components. A motion to rebid with the alternates discussed was made, seconded and passed by voice vote.

Staff committed to return with a packaged bid and additional cost options for generator versus solar backup, and to report back to the court in the coming week with recommendations.