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Commissioners weigh Train HVAC replacement and remote BAS support for county jail
Summary
County staff outlined two maintenance/service options for newly contracted HVAC units at the jail: a lower‑cost twice‑yearly inspection package and a pricier BAS‑backed remote support package that includes prioritized service hours and remote diagnostics. Commissioners asked staff to negotiate start dates, pricing and scope.
Staff presented commissioners with details of an equipment replacement and service package for the county jail’s HVAC system. The vendor (Train) will replace an aging unit in the medical area and offered a two‑year mechanical scheduled service package (biannual visits) and a higher‑tier building‑automation‑system (BAS) support package that provides remote monitoring plus a bank of on‑site service hours.
Jason (facilities staff) told commissioners the basic mechanical service would cost roughly $21,000 per year (about $43,281 for two years as presented) and cover pre‑cool/startup inspections, lockout/tagout checks, fluid sampling and reporting that could be integrated into the BAS. The optional BAS support includes 96 hours of field support per year (banked) and 24/7 remote diagnostic access so remote technicians can log in to identify and sometimes correct issues without an on‑site dispatch. That package is more expensive but could reduce downtime and speed repairs.
Commissioners raised budget and staffing questions: whether bond funds could be used to cover the initial two‑year support, whether the county should instead rely on in‑house staff as the system stabilizes, and whether the start date for paid support could be negotiated to maximize value. Several commissioners emphasized the value of two transition cycles (two season changes) included in vendor training and asked staff to push for those in the contract.
Staff will return with negotiated terms: clarified start date, final price, and a recommended support package (mechanical only vs. mechanical + BAS) that balances cost and long‑term reliability. No formal vote was taken at the work session; the commission asked for a firm proposal for a future meeting.
