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County project manager warns of delays on Otis elevator battery backup; commissioners consider alternate service options
Summary
TCS Northwest told the commission that an Otis elevator battery backup for the courthouse has been delayed for more than a month; staff said they are escalating with Otis and evaluating whether to contract other Montana elevator firms (with potential warranty trade‑offs).
TCS Northwest provided an update May 1 on the Granite County courthouse elevator project, saying delivery and installation of an Otis battery backup for the elevator have been delayed more than a month despite repeated follow‑ups with the vendor.
Terry Moreland of TCS Northwest said he has been emailing Otis contacts weekly and that the vendor repeatedly reported ‘‘almost there’’ status without delivering the required backup unit. Moreland and commissioners discussed escalating the matter with Otis’s service team or contracting another Montana elevator company to obtain the backup sooner, while acknowledging that switching vendors could affect the one‑year warranty.
Why it matters: Without the battery backup, the elevator will not function during power outages and passengers could become trapped until power is restored or the fire department intervenes. County staff described the operational concern and asked the commission for direction on whether to pursue alternative service and escalation.
What commissioners directed: Staff was authorized to continue pressing Otis and to gather firm quotes and timelines from other Montana elevator companies so the county can evaluate the trade‑offs between warranty protection and timelier service. Staff also said they will secure a lockbox and keys for emergency access and finalize ADA parking and door trim items pending final designs.
Next step: TCS Northwest will provide additional pricing and vendor information to the commission and coordinate with county staff on any service contract changes.
