Nueces County extends Romco standby generator contract for hurricane season; permanent generators due in September

Nueces County extended a contract for rented Romco standby generators to ensure backup power for high‑risk facilities during hurricane season. Staff told commissioners the monthly rental costs are about $52,000 for the courthouse and jail combined and $28,700 for the annex, for a June–September total near $322,800. The court approved the motion to extend the rentals.

Emergency management and facilities staff said the temporary units protect the jail — which is more than 99% occupied — and other critical courthouse functions while permanent, hardened generators are installed. County staff said permanent generators are scheduled to be online in September; commissioners asked staff to confirm fuel logistics and operations readiness for both temporary and permanent units.

Commissioners emphasized the high cost but framed the rental as an insurance policy against much larger operational and relocation costs in a storm. The court approved the extension and directed staff to monitor market pricing and confirm the September installation timetable for permanent units.