Board authorizes nearly $248,137 to replace HVAC at Special Education building

The Grants-Cibola County Schools Board voted to approve replacement of the heating and cooling system at the district’s Special Education services building, authorizing an encumbrance for roughly $248,137.31 subject to final tax adjustments.

Facilities manager Mr. Triplehorn described the building’s HVAC as unreliable and said the district has been repairing components on an interim basis. "We have been crimping it along. Really, it's been since July that we really haven't had any reliable heating and cooling system at that space," he told the board and estimated a total price around $248,137.30, noting lead times of about six weeks and roughly two weeks for installation.

Superintendent Weidner recommended the project, saying it was important to provide a functioning work environment for district employees in the Special Education building. The motion to approve the replacement was moved by Miss Hunt Daly and seconded by Mr. Jaramillo; a roll-call vote recorded affirmative votes from board members present and the motion carried.

Board members asked for confirmation of funding sources and were told the exact encumbrance number and final tax amount would be adjusted when the purchase order closes. Triplehorn said vendors had supplied updated proposals and that the final purchase order would be adjusted to the appropriate fund upon closing.

The board directed administration to proceed with contracting and to return to the board if the final price requires a budget adjustment. The replacement will proceed subject to the district’s procurement rules and the vendor’s delivery schedule.