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Jail HVAC problems, wearable monitors and equipment purchases discussed; gate repair to be charged to driver's insurer
Summary
Officials reported ongoing HVAC balancing work at the county jail, recommended a $11,300 test-and-balance to resolve temperature and humidity issues, discussed a five-year wearable monitor plan for inmate monitoring (~$18,500) funded by opioid dollars, and said a gate damaged by a vehicle will be repaired and billed to the motorist's insurer.
County administrator Bernard told commissioners the county is completing HVAC adjustments at the jail and recommended a test‑and‑balance service (quote: $11,300) to confirm whether recent unit changes resolve humidity and temperature inconsistencies.
"Once we do this, then we see if the system's going to work," Bernard said, describing cell/block airflow balancing that should redistribute conditioned air more evenly.
Bernard also described a five‑year service plan for wearable biometric monitors purchased with opioid‑related funds that would allow ambulatory inmates to be monitored in dorms rather than occupying the medical ward; staff quoted a five‑year price of about $18,500 plus up to $1,000 for data‑network electrical work where the devices would be used.
Separately, Bernard said the county received insurance information for an elderly motorist who broke the jail gate; staff will place repairs and a PO request on the Tuesday agenda and pursue reimbursement from the driver's insurer.
On longer-term planning, Bernard and staff discussed purchasing kitchen and laundry appliances now (rough estimate $115,000 for mobile fixtures) to save on future price increases and noted the county is evaluating whether bond proceeds may be used for those purchases.
What comes next: staff will ask commissioners to approve the HVAC test‑and‑balance, authorize wearable-monitor procurement and place gate‑repair authorization on the regular meeting agenda for formal action.
