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Upson County tables $71,814 generator purchase after questions about funding, inventory and grant timing
Summary
County finance staff presented a $71,814 quote for a towable 72 kW generator for water services and said an 85% Hazard Mitigation grant would cover most costs; commissioners asked for inventory, funding-source and lead-time clarifications and voted to table the purchase pending further information.
Upson County's finance staff presented a vendor quote for a towable generator meeting updated specifications (72 kilowatts) at a meeting Feb. 24. The quoted price was $71,814, and staff said a previously applied-for Hazard Mitigation grant would cover roughly 85% of eligible costs, leaving the county with an estimated 15% share to pay up front and seek reimbursement.
"The cost of that generator based on the quote was $71,814," the county's finance representative said, adding that the grant originally included a lower estimate and that the county must commit funds before it can seek reimbursement. The staff member said the original $50,050 figure was an earlier estimate and that current equipment and spec changes raised the price.
Commissioners sought clarification on whether the county already owned or planned other generators that would satisfy the same needs, on which internal fund should carry the county share (enterprise/water fund versus SPLOST/general funds) and on vendor lead time. One commissioner noted that a grant closeout or procurement step needed to be in place before May.
After extended discussion, Commissioner Biggs moved to table the purchase until staff could confirm existing inventory, the proper funding split and vendor timelines; Commissioner Watson seconded and the motion carried.
Next steps: finance and water services staff will report back with (1) whether a county-owned generator or an existing grant package covers the same need, (2) the recommended fund source for the county's share, and (3) vendor lead time and steps to meet the grant closeout schedule.
