County cites persistent electrical problems at well No. 3 and Fire Tower Road tank; surge suppression expected

County Manager Thomas Weaver told commissioners the Fire Tower Road tank has gone out again and that initial contractor work suggests an electrical fault rather than lightning on every occasion. When the usual contractor could not respond promptly, the county engaged Hammock Wells, which responded within an hour, Weaver said, and staff believe the issue is electrical and are considering an HVAC option for computer control components if the problem continues.

Weaver said the county believes the well in question is a turbine well and noted the possibility of a sunk ground field; if grounding is not the cause, the county will hire an electrical contractor. Burgamy Electric has performed work on well No. 3, which the manager described as a persistent headache; a surge‑suppression system is on order from a Texas supplier and is expected to arrive in about 20 days, Weaver said. As a temporary measure staff discussed using a window unit for cooling of electronics.

The work session also noted recent water‑line and service repairs on Hwy. 137 and five service‑line leak repairs performed by staff; the county has hired two new water‑department employees to help with ongoing maintenance.

Next steps: County staff will monitor the installed surge suppression and, if required, bring electrical‑contractor recommendations and cost estimates to the commission for authorization.