Council approves higher‑cost generator for Public Safety building with warranty contingency

The Escanaba City Council on March 21 approved the purchase and installation of an 80 kW generator for the Public Safety building from Master Electric of Escanaba, acknowledging the bid exceeded the amount originally budgeted.

Staff described the existing generator as old and stressed its importance to Delta County 911 and the municipal Public Safety function. Administration said the bid addressed both removal of the current internal unit and installation of a new external unit on the west side of the building. Contractor Kurt Servant answered technical questions and explained warranty and service‑plan options; he said a two‑year warranty was ‘‘pretty standard’’ and that longer warranties or service plans were available for additional cost.

Council members discussed warranty length, parts availability and the benefit of approving the project while critical parts are in stock. One councilor moved to approve the purchase with an additional $5,000 contingency in case a longer warranty or extended service plan was advisable; the motion passed unanimously.

Staff will finalize warranty choices and return any further contract details as needed. Council approved the purchase to ensure continuity for 911 and dispatch operations.