Commission debates urgent purchase and rental plan after jail generator failed in October

Marion County commissioners spent extended time discussing the county jail’s inoperable diesel generator, which staff said has been out since October. Commissioners described the lack of backup power as an operational risk if a prolonged outage occurs.

County staff estimated a rebuild would cost about $40,000; procurement for a new unit and a separate natural-gas hookup would require additional appropriations. Staff identified an $86,786 figure that covers parts, repairs, rental of temporary equipment, and other services — and clarified that the total is not the cost of a single generator alone.

Commissioners and staff discussed options: pursue a natural-gas generator (which would require running a new gas line and a separate appropriation), accept competitive bids for purchase and installation, or use a temporary generator leased while permanent work proceeds. One commissioner said, "I think it's an emergency, and we need to get it done now," urging immediate action; staff responded that procurement thresholds under county policy do not require formal sealed procurement for single purchases under $75,000, but that gas-line installation and generator supply may require separate contractors.

County staff said they would search procurement records and contracts to determine who supplied original fuel and equipment years earlier and whether any recovery from a third party is feasible, though they cautioned that recovering costs after eight years may be difficult. The commission asked staff to pursue temporary rental arrangements (staff reported an anticipated rental amount of about $11,784) and proceed with required procurement steps for installation once funding is available.

The discussion ended with direction to pursue immediate, short-term mitigation via temporary equipment and to draft appropriation paperwork for the long-term replacement and installation.