Bonner County accepts Schindler elevator maintenance contract despite lower third-party bid

Bonner County commissioners voted April 28 to accept a three-year elevator maintenance agreement with Schindler Elevator Corporation for the courthouse, administration building, prosecuting attorney’s office and county complex elevators at $13,831.20 annually.

Teddy Lupton, director of public works, presented the contract recommendation and said he solicited bids from ThyssenKrupp (TK), Otis and Schindler. ThyssenKrupp submitted a lower price (roughly $10,992 per year) but proposed a noncancelable contract with automatic renewals and terms Lupton characterized as a potential financial risk. Otis quoted about $15,444 per year but excluded parts and repairs for the administration-building elevator due to a prior vendor installation.

Lupton said Schindler has provided consistent service for nine years and has been willing to service the county’s older elevator equipment when others would not, making Schindler the prudent choice despite the midrange price. Commissioners discussed value versus cost and the risk that a lower bidder could decline to perform needed repairs; one commissioner noted a modest price differential could ultimately save capital replacement costs if less-experienced vendors later refused repairs.

After deliberation the board approved the Schindler contract by roll-call vote. The contract term runs March 1, 2026, to Feb. 28, 2029; the county budget will post the annual fee to repairs and maintenance (account 001107460).