Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facility Maintenance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners approve up to $40,000 to replace failing jail cooling‑tower pumps
Summary
Faced with one cooling‑tower turbine already down and another failing, commissioners approved immediate procurement and rebuilding work not to exceed $40,000 so the jail retains cooling and redundant equipment during repair and replacement.
Delaware County commissioners authorized immediate work to address failing cooling‑tower turbines at the county jail after maintenance staff reported one turbine down and the other deteriorating.
Don Chambers, superintendent of maintenance, told the board that repairing a turbine cost approximately $8,800, but a new unit was quoted at about $31,155 with installation costs to be finalized for weekend work to avoid business‑hour interruptions. Chambers said a rebuild would likely last four to five years; a brand‑new pump would provide a longer service life but carried a higher upfront price.
Commissioners agreed to purchase a new unit and to have the existing units evaluated and rebuilt as appropriate. One commissioner summarized the board's view: the county should update the installation quote to include weekend work, buy a new pump to install next to the wall for longer life, and rebuild the best of the existing pumps for redundancy.
A motion to proceed, including an authorization not to exceed $40,000 for replacement and related work, passed by roll call (Commissioners Henry, Bran and Rian voted yes). Staff said they would return with updated quotes showing weekend installation pricing and the recommended contractor schedule.
Provenance: New pump repair presentation and motion (timeline SEG 1025 through SEG 1115).
