Cole County authorizes $34,700 emergency chiller repairs at health department

County staff reported early-morning failure of the health department's chiller, leaving the building without cooling. Technicians found three of four compressors nonfunctional; staff presented two options: repair the failed compressors for $34,700 or replace the system (figures presented in the meeting included $125,750 plus additional line items discussed for controls and pumps).

Staff noted the installed equipment dates to 2011 and that a new chiller would have a roughly two-week lead time. Commissioners discussed whether the compressor failures could be covered by insurance (potential lightning strike was mentioned as one possibility) and weighed the short-term cost of repairs versus full replacement. Staff said one compressor was running after initial work and a short-term repair could keep the building serviceable while the county researches insurance and funding options.

A motion to approve emergency chiller repairs at the health department in the amount of $34,700 carried by voice vote. Commissioners directed staff to check insurance coverages, consider funding sources (capital improvements or general fund transfers if needed), and proceed with the repairs to restore cooling.

The commission also briefly discussed whether to fund a full replacement immediately; no replacement motion was approved at the meeting.