Commissioners press staff on jail’s hard‑water and sediment problems after $74k filtration quote

Tom (speaker S1) briefed the board on persistent plumbing problems at the county jail and presented an engineer’s recommendation for a large water‑softener/filtration installation.

“We had a bid the other day for $74,649,” Tom said, describing repeated screen and valve blockages and the replacement of a $1,600 valve. He said sediment is filling on‑demand units and that staff are repeatedly climbing roofs and resetting equipment when low‑flow alarms trigger.

Commissioners pressed Tom and staff for alternatives and diagnostics. One commissioner suggested flushing supply lines ahead of the meter and checking on‑demand filters in the north portion of the building to determine whether the issue is isolated or systemic. Tom said staff had already bought replacement sediment screens and would have the six on‑demand units inspected this week to gather more evidence.

Engineering input suggested the full water‑softener/filtration system could be necessary, but Tom and others said local plumbers might be able to lower labor costs if the county solicits bids rather than contracting installation through the engineer’s recommended firm. Tom said McElroy’s engineers produced the $76,000 estimate but that local installers might save thousands on labor.

Why it matters: Repeated plumbing failures affect jail operations and staff safety and could produce recurring repair costs. A large capital expenditure like a $74k system requires the board to balance immediate operational needs with procurement rules and cost‑saving options.

What’s next: Commissioners directed staff to inspect the six on‑demand units, press the city to flush supply lines where possible, solicit competitive local quotes for installation, and return with clearer diagnostics and cost comparisons before approving the filtration purchase.