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Commissioners approve $13,600 replacement for jail water-softening system
Summary
Ripley County commissioners approved a $13,600 replacement of the jail’s water-softening system after staff reported failing resin and incompatible older head units that could force costlier repairs if deferred.
Ripley County commissioners voted March 2 to replace the county jail’s water-softening system at a cost of $13,600 after jail maintenance staff reported the system—installed in 2015—is failing.
A jail maintenance employee told the board the resin in the system has degraded and that, while a partial repair replacing the resin and an aluminum screen would cost $7,770, the older head units are incompatible with newer models. Staff warned that if the heads fail after a partial repair, the county could be forced into a full replacement at greater cost. A full-replacement quote originally received was $14,850, but staff negotiated a lower total of $13,600 by retaining viable components.
Commissioners and staff discussed daily water throughput, with staff estimating roughly 1,000 gallons a day as a low-end figure and noting both hot and cold water are processed through the softeners. The maintenance presentation cited limescale buildup in steamers and dishwashers as evidence the system is degrading.
A commissioner moved to approve the $13,600 replacement; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
The board was also told the vendor offers a four-year parts warranty and two-year labor warranty on full replacements; staff said brine tanks currently appear sound and could be retained. Commissioners invited staff to provide follow-up documentation on warranty terms and any expected maintenance schedule.
The most recent procedural step: the commissioners approved the expenditure and the county will proceed with the vendor’s replacement work.
