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Commissioners ask for committee review after staff presents $11 million and $1.39 million options to repair jail HVAC
Summary
Administration presented two options for phase 1 of the Doherty County jail mechanical system — a full fast‑track replacement estimated at $11,000,060.63 and a lower‑cost rebuild option (~$1,389,783). Commissioners asked staff and technical teams to reconvene Public Works and Finance committees to evaluate the lower‑cost option's viability.
County administration told the board on April 27 that Public Works had recommended a fast‑track design‑build replacement for phase 1 of the county jail mechanical system at an estimated cost of $11,000,060.63. Administration also presented a lower‑cost alternative — rebuilding chillers and towers — for an estimated $1,389,783 and recommended that the technical team and the finance committee evaluate the cheaper option's viability.
"We received proposals from Comfort Systems and looked at rebuilding options for chillers and tower replacements," the county administrator said, describing the lower estimate as a possible path to achieve needed improvements with less capital outlay. Staff said finance staff and external consultants are reviewing financing options and that the creation of a facilities development authority or bond financing might be required for the larger scope.
Commissioners requested the package return to the Public Works and Finance committees for detailed review and for staff and facilities experts to advise whether the lower‑cost approach provides sufficient efficacy. The commission did not take a final vote; the chair said the matter will follow committee protocol before returning to the board.
