Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Blackford County considers generator replacement and approves Heartland service agreement costs
Summary
County staff reviewed quotes for generator replacement and radio/dispatch upgrades and the council approved payment for the Heartland replacement and a related service agreement; options included transfer‑switch repair priced near $40,000 and a full generator replacement quote near $99,921.
County staff told the Blackford County Council on April 8 that the jail generator is past its typical life expectancy and that the county faces either repair (transfer‑switch replacement) or full replacement. Staff cited a $40,000 quote to replace transfer switches and a roughly $99,921 quote for full generator replacement, and said a five‑year service and upgrade option for the county dispatch/radio system had a five‑year total near $58,000.
Staff said the generator was installed in 1996 and has passed a 20–25 year life expectation; the presenter warned that while the engine may still be serviceable, auxiliary components and controls are aging and parts may become unavailable. Commissioners discussed warranties and long‑term service agreements; one staff member recommended replacing the generator if long‑term reliability and service coverage were not assured by repair.
Separately, commissioners considered the communications upgrade and service agreement. The presenter recommended an upgrade and a five‑year maintenance contract to keep dispatch services supported. The council then approved a motion to pay for the Heartland replacement and the service agreement; the motion passed by roll call.
The meeting record shows the council agreed to pursue staff’s recommendations and noted follow‑up procurement and contract finalization would return to the commission for contract selection and execution.
