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Commission approves $53,200 generator purchase for Elections Office to secure HAVA reimbursement
Summary
The court approved buying a 60 kW generator for the Elections Office (not to exceed $53,200) using a reimbursement grant that requires purchase before the July 31 grant deadline; commissioners debated sizing, building-load analysis and heat‑sink considerations before approving to preserve grant funds.
County election administrator Victoria Pereira presented a request to purchase a 60 kW generator for the Elections Office, noting the purchase is eligible for reimbursement through an election‑security grant (Help America Vote Act) and that the office has secured three quotes.
Several commissioners questioned whether a 60 kW generator was oversized for the facility, suggesting a 22.5 kW unit might suffice. One commissioner said, “If you don't use the power they're generating, it has to go somewhere,” raising the technical issue that oversized generators may require heat sinks to absorb unused load. Pereira and staff said building-and-yards and a licensed electrician (McWhorter Electric) conducted site assessments and recommended the 60 kW unit after considering peak equipment loads, electric locks and election equipment demands. The grant’s reimbursement deadline (July 31) was cited as a reason to proceed promptly.
After discussion about load analysis and ensuring proper installation, the court approved the generator purchase to avoid losing grant funding. Commissioners directed staff to document the sizing analysis for future reference and to ensure proper installation practices such as heat-sink or load-management planning.
Next steps: Elections and facilities staff will proceed with the purchase and work with the vendor/contractor on installation, documentation and grant reimbursement submission.
