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Christian County to pay half the cost to replace 10 AEDs, commissioners require training and location list
Summary
County staff requested replacement of 10 end-of-life AEDs at county buildings at an estimated upfront cost of $14,328.90. Commissioners approved funding half the purchase provided at least two AEDs are located inside the courthouse and training is arranged; staff will maintain a master location list and offer certification for staff.
County commissioners voted Dec. 4 to cover half the upfront cost of replacing 10 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) placed at public county buildings, saying the purchase and associated training are a public-safety priority.
"So what we are asking for is a replacement of 10 of the AEDs…The upfront cost is the $14,328.90 that I sent the estimate for," said Christy, a county staff member who presented the request and described units as fully automatic and suitable for public use. Christy said some units have been deployed in past years and that the vendor will provide certification training for a limited number of staff at no cost.
Presiding Commissioner Lee Horton said he supported the purchase and requested clearer documentation of AED locations and trained backups: "Once we know where those are placed, I'd love to have that master list where Miss Brenda could keep that here in the commission office and know exactly where they're at at all times." Several commissioners urged at least two trained people per building to cover turnover and absences.
Commissioners moved and approved a motion to expend county funds to cover half the purchase price for the 10 AEDs, with the stipulation that at least two devices be placed inside the courthouse building. Christy said the county will coordinate on placement reviews and training schedules.
The contract will be pushed through the county's 2026 budget cycle, with purchases expected to proceed after Jan. 1 and shipping thereafter. The vendor will supply pads, batteries and certification training as part of the planned installation; ongoing maintenance will be handled according to the cost-share arrangement discussed in the meeting.
The decision follows staff testimony that the AEDs have reached the typical 8-year service life and that several units previously deployed required replacement of pads and batteries. Commissioners emphasized public-safety benefits and the value of documenting device locations and trained personnel.
Next steps: staff will finalize the purchase paperwork and a placement/training plan for the commission to archive with county records.
