Quorum Court approves funds to replace detention-facility generator after fuel contamination
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Summary
County staff reported biodiesel contamination in the detention facility generator; the court approved renting a temporary unit and appropriating funds for a natural-gas replacement quoted at $86,786.47 and line-installation work estimated at $10,432.
The Marion County Quorum Court authorized funds to keep the detention facility operational after staff explained the current generator was contaminated when biodiesel was put into the tank at first fueling.
"When they put biodiesel in the generator, it grew algae," said an unidentified county staff member (Speaker 1), who described repeated unsuccessful cleanings and said the lines still contained algae. The staff member presented three costs: a two-month rental for a temporary generator at $11,784.02 (including delivery, fill and installation), line-installation work to connect a natural-gas generator at $10,432, and a replacement generator quoted at $86,786.47.
Speaker 1 said a natural-gas generator is preferred to avoid ongoing fuel purchases and that lead time to order a generator is six to eight weeks. Members discussed eliminating the diesel-tank fuel stock at the sheriff's office and acknowledged the installation would increase the facility's natural-gas bill.
Speaker 7 said the person who put biodiesel in the tank should be held liable, but the court did not name a responsible party in the record. The court voted to approve the ordinance to rent a temporary generator and proceed with replacement plans; staff said they would clean the tank as practical and pursue replacement under the approved appropriation.
The court recorded the motion and approved the measure by voice vote; no roll-call tallies appear in the transcript.