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County says elevator backup missing, considers steps after service delays and extra charges
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Summary
Contractors told commissioners the courthouse elevator's battery-backup unit cannot be located on site and must be reordered; officials debated responsibility for a roughly $2,500 fuse charge, the contractor's responsiveness, and whether to pursue alternate local service options to finish punch-list items.
Contract and county staff told Granite County commissioners that most courthouse renovations are nearly finished but that a key elevator component cannot be located and must be reordered, raising questions about vendor responsiveness, warranty coverage and possible additional charges.
Michael Blake of DCS Northwest reported that the elevator’s battery-backup system “was left on-site” per the manufacturer Otis, but crews have searched the building and “we can't find it,” and the county will need Otis to provide a ship and install date for a replacement. Contractors said some specialty trim remains back‑ordered and that final punch‑list work and cleaning are ongoing.
Commissioners and contractors also discussed a power surge and a blown fuse that a vendor has estimated at roughly $2,500. The chair said he did not think the county should be responsible for that bill, arguing the equipment should have been installed or identified earlier. Contractor representatives said the surge/fuse issue appears to be on the service side of the elevator work and that they were working to escalate responses inside Otis and to coordinate with the manufacturer MEI where appropriate.
County project staff said the elevator is functional and signed off on life‑safety inspections, but the missing backup and slow vendor responses are delaying completion of final items. One contractor suggested engaging a local elevator service in Bozeman as a faster alternative for service and short‑term fixes; commissioners asked county staff and the county attorney to pursue clearer service commitments and, if needed, a formal written response from Otis.
The contractors said the remaining work—trim pieces, final door hardware and a few punch‑list items—should not prevent use of the building in the near term, but that the specialty trim is on back order for an estimated 3–5 weeks. Staff will continue to escalate Otis responses and will return to the commission with any recommended contractual actions or claims; commissioners directed staff to re‑email Otis and, if necessary, involve the county attorney.
The county did not take a formal vote on contracting alternatives at the meeting; staff said they will follow up with a written status and recommended next steps.
