Hancock County OKs $89,800 sole‑source contract to replace courthouse elevator jack

County staff told the Hancock County Commissioners on June 2 that the courthouse elevator has progressive hydraulic failure and that seals and piston scoring have made simple seal replacement ineffective; staff said the system currently leaks hydraulic fluid and presents an increasing maintenance and environmental risk.

The commissioners voted to approve a capital project to replace the jack and the elevator at a cost of $89,800 and to contract Pine State Elevator Company as a sole‑source contractor, with payment from the building reserve account. The Chair moved the approval and a commissioner seconded; the motion passed by voice vote.

Staff described the technical issue as worn piston shafts and recommended replacing the jack rather than attempting a seal repair, and noted the potential need to clean the containment pit if a larger failure occurred. Staff also described Pine State as the incumbent service provider with proprietary control features and warranty considerations cited to justify sole‑source procurement.

The approval directs staff to proceed with contract execution and to request any additional transfers if final costs exceed current estimates; procurement staff advised they will return with full cost and transfer requests if necessary.

No roll‑call vote was recorded in the transcript.