Teton County declares emergency to speed Law Enforcement Center heating replacement

The Teton County Board of County Commissioners voted to declare an emergency to accelerate replacement of the Law Enforcement Center’s failed heating system after hearing a detailed briefing from Public Works Director Daryl Johnson.

Daryl Johnson told the board the center’s HVAC had been unreliable for more than a year and a recently replaced compressor caused a refrigerant leak and acid contamination that makes the existing system prone to rapid re‑failure. “Our recommendation moving forward is just to abandon the current system and get something in place that works,” Johnson said, urging commissioners to approve an emergency procurement so work can proceed immediately.

Commissioners debated the procurement tradeoffs — including the legal risk that other contractors could challenge a sole‑source selection — and Johnson said staff would not award a contract until commissioners reviewed an actual price. The board moved, seconded and the motion to declare the LEC heating‑system failure a state of emergency and exempt the work from formal bidding procedures passed by voice vote. Johnson said staff would return with a contract and price for commissioner approval before award.

The declaration removes the normally required two‑week formal bid advertisement for this replacement and allows staff to secure immediate services while preserving an opportunity for the board to review proposed contract numbers. The board also discussed oversight measures to keep emergency costs reasonable and asked for regular updates on schedule and pricing.

The emergency declaration means crews can begin planning and procurement work immediately; commissioners instructed staff to report back with final cost estimates and a proposed contract once those are available.