County arranges temporary chiller as jail HVAC problems persist
June 13, 2026 | LaSalle County, Illinois
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
LaSalle County facilities staff told the Property Committee on June 12 that clogged HVAC components and a failing chiller at the county jail require short-term action and a planned replacement this fall.
Wesley, the county's facilities representative, said crews found variable-air-volume units clogged with drywall dust from prior construction and that some units may need replacement. He warned existing equipment cannot reliably maintain temperatures if the system is taxed: "if it gets above 85 degrees it it can't keep up," Wesley said, adding that lead times for replacement parts can be as long as a year.
To keep the jail occupied and within certification limits, staff arranged a rented portable chiller to be delivered and connected to the jail's pumps. Wesley described the rental as month-to-month and said the county expects to need the unit for roughly two months in the near term, with rental costs rising if extended: "after two months it's about 10 grand a month," he said. Staff said they will have the vendor install, demonstrate operation and provide support.
Committee members asked how the rental and replacement will be funded. Wesley said the building maintenance and repair budgets are being used for immediate needs and that, after accounting for planned work, about $280,000 remains in maintenance reserves. Members also discussed which fund carries chiller replacement money; staff referenced $950,000 in fund 28 and acknowledged some confusion about overall project accounting during the meeting.
Wesley said the county plans to install a new permanent chiller in fall and will coordinate installation so existing systems remain online where possible. He said some VAVs are difficult to access and that replacement or staged cleaning will be scheduled as needed.
Next steps: staff will proceed with temporary chiller installation, obtain pricing for cleaning or replacing clogged VAV units, and return to the committee with any changes in schedule or funding.
Wesley, the county's facilities representative, said crews found variable-air-volume units clogged with drywall dust from prior construction and that some units may need replacement. He warned existing equipment cannot reliably maintain temperatures if the system is taxed: "if it gets above 85 degrees it it can't keep up," Wesley said, adding that lead times for replacement parts can be as long as a year.
To keep the jail occupied and within certification limits, staff arranged a rented portable chiller to be delivered and connected to the jail's pumps. Wesley described the rental as month-to-month and said the county expects to need the unit for roughly two months in the near term, with rental costs rising if extended: "after two months it's about 10 grand a month," he said. Staff said they will have the vendor install, demonstrate operation and provide support.
Committee members asked how the rental and replacement will be funded. Wesley said the building maintenance and repair budgets are being used for immediate needs and that, after accounting for planned work, about $280,000 remains in maintenance reserves. Members also discussed which fund carries chiller replacement money; staff referenced $950,000 in fund 28 and acknowledged some confusion about overall project accounting during the meeting.
Wesley said the county plans to install a new permanent chiller in fall and will coordinate installation so existing systems remain online where possible. He said some VAVs are difficult to access and that replacement or staged cleaning will be scheduled as needed.
Next steps: staff will proceed with temporary chiller installation, obtain pricing for cleaning or replacing clogged VAV units, and return to the committee with any changes in schedule or funding.
View the Full Meeting & All Its Details
This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.
✓
Watch full, unedited meeting videos
✓
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
✓
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
✓
Permanent access to expanding government content
30-day money-back guarantee
