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Ellis County approves up to $625,000 to replace two jail rooftop chillers after freeze damage
Summary
The Commissioners Court authorized replacing two rooftop chillers serving the Ellis County jail (not to exceed $625,000) after freeze-related piping and refrigerant breaches destroyed the units; staff are renting temporary chillers and have filed an insurance claim.
Ellis County Commissioners approved replacing two rooftop chillers that serve the county jail, authorizing up to $625,000 under a contract with Texas Air Systems via an existing contract number.
The County Judge explained a recent freeze damaged piping that serves the jail's chillers: the freeze caused piping to burst and allowed water into refrigerant lines, "which is kind of a big no no," the judge said, and effectively destroyed both machines. County staff have deployed rented temporary chillers while an insurance claim is pending; staff said they expect to seek reimbursement for rental costs from the insurer.
Facilities Director Luke Meacham was available to supplement details and staff said the purchase will proceed under the cited contract numbers. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the replacement and spending authorization.
Why it matters: the chillers support climate control in the jail; prolonged HVAC failure would risk inmate welfare and facility operations. The authorization allows staff to replace failed equipment and return the facility to normal operations while insurance matters are resolved.
Ending: The court approved the chiller replacements and staff will coordinate procurement and seek insurance reimbursement for related costs.
