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Commission approves purchase of two generators for emergency management and OAC
Summary
Brookings County approved Resolution 26‑26 to purchase a permanent generator for the OAC (~$88,000) and a portable generator for emergency management (~$70,000) via Sourcewell; commissioners discussed life expectancy, usage and potential supplemental budgeting.
The commission voted to purchase two generators through Sourcewell: a permanent unit for the OAC (the county’s planned emergency shelter) and a portable/towable generator for emergency management and shared use with other county departments.
County staff described Sourcewell as an established procurement cooperative and provided quotes: just under $88,000 for the permanent OAC generator (including an automatic transfer switch option) and just over $70,000 for the portable unit. Staff said the portable will replace an older 20‑year‑old generator while keeping the old unit until end of life. Commissioners debated the portable purchase—one commissioner questioned buying a rarely used portable at that cost and suggested renting as an alternative—while others argued for readiness after recent storms in the region.
The motion passed by roll call (one commissioner recorded a no vote). Staff said a supplemental budget amendment would be processed to fund the purchase and described expected uses for emergency shelters, dispatch backup, and aid to smaller contract towns.
