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Audubon County supervisors raise alarms over new HVAC after higher bills, courtroom noise complaints
Summary
Supervisors said electric bills rose significantly after a new HVAC system was implemented and two judges have complained about courtroom noise; ETI will review control settings and redo sound readings after taking initial measurements outside the courtroom doors.
Audubon County supervisors on March 24 flagged several post-construction punch-list items related to a new HVAC system after reporting higher electric bills and courtroom sound complaints.
Supervisors said electric bills have increased significantly since the new HVAC was implemented. Justin Veik, ETI’s representative, said he would examine the system controls to identify ways to reduce energy use and follow up with supervisors. He provided readings from a recent courthouse visit, but Sheriff Todd Johnson questioned whether those readings had been taken inside the courtroom while it was occupied. Veik said he took the measurements outside the courtroom doors and will redo the readings during an unoccupied visit.
Supervisors also reported persistent flickering lights in the Clerk of Court’s office. Custodian Hansen raised that he has not yet received manuals or booklets for the HVAC system; Shannon CeCe of Graphite Construction said she would send the documentation. Warranties were discussed: the general warranty covers one year while some parts have five-year warranties.
No formal corrective action or contract award was taken at the meeting; ETI said it would follow up with supervisors the next day to report findings and potential fixes for energy consumption and noise.
