Conservation director requests March budget amendment to cover AEDs, truck transmission and failing heat pump

Chad Humble, Chickasaw County's conservation director, asked supervisors on Jan. 5 to consider a budget amendment this spring to cover several unplanned capital and repair costs for conservation operations.

Humble itemized the needs: replacement AEDs for two facilities (about $3,200 total), a rebuilt transmission for a 2017 pickup that hauls a skid loader (about $7,600), and a failing heat-pump unit that serves the nature center shop (an approximate contractor estimate of $14,000). "That was about 14,000," Humble said of the heat-pump replacement estimate and recommended staff obtain spec sheets and go out to bid if the expected cost exceeds county-purchasing thresholds.

Board members noted county policy for purchases over $10,000 and suggested Humble prepare spec sheets to ensure an apples-to-apples bid process. Humble said he would try to have documentation for budget discussions in March; if the replacement cost far exceeded the estimate, the board would weigh that in the amendment.

Humble also reported conservation's grant activity, including a $100,000 timber/forest-resiliency grant submitted with a 20% match and a proposed accessibility project at Airport Lake with an estimated 500 square feet of concrete and an ADA-compliant campfire ring. He said those improvements would be pursued with grant funds where possible, minimizing taxpayer impact.

The board did not authorize immediate spending at the meeting; next steps are for Humble to compile specifications, finalize estimates and present a March amendment if needed.