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Marshall County declares emergency to replace failed courthouse fire pump, authorizes quotes
Summary
After an inspector called the 36‑year‑old courthouse fire pump "too dangerous," the commission adopted an emergency resolution and approved soliciting quotes to replace the 750 gpm pump and related equipment, with a verbal replacement estimate of about $250,000.
Marshall County commissioners voted to declare an emergency for replacement of a courthouse fire pump that failed inspection and was described by an outside inspector as "too dangerous" to approach.
Brad, a county staff member who reported the inspection results, said the 36‑year‑old pump (described in the meeting as about 750 gallons per minute at a 75‑foot head) has rust and a persistent leak; the inspector warned the pump could flood an adjacent main electrical room or, under certain conditions, create suction strong enough to collapse a six‑inch water line. Brad said a verbal turnkey estimate to replace the pump, a 20‑horsepower electric motor, a jockey pump and a controller was about $250,000.
The county attorney advised that the situation meets the legal standard for a public emergency, which allows the commission to suspend ordinary public‑works bidding if it adopts a resolution describing the emergency and publishes the findings. The commission approved a short resolution declaring the emergency and directed staff to solicit quotes (staff noted three quotes if available, but emphasized availability and speed as key selection factors for a turnkey replacement).
The motion to go out for quotes and the emergency resolution passed by roll call; the meeting record shows Commissioners Watson, Sims and Baker voting yes on the resolution and the request to solicit quotes.
Next steps: staff will prepare and publish the emergency resolution and solicit quotes for a turnkey replacement; commissioners emphasized the need to prioritize contractors who can deliver and install the equipment quickly.
