Supervisors approve $78,176 generator quote after vendor presentations, members call for clearer procurement policy

The Louisa County Board of Supervisors approved a purchase to replace the county complex generator after hearing presentations from two vendors and debating procurement practices.

Trent, who identified himself as a representative from a Windfield firm, proposed a direct replacement of the existing 45‑kilowatt generator with a 48‑kilowatt unit, saying lead time was about "15 business days" and installation would take about a week, with planned outages scheduled at night or on a weekend. Don Burker of Brookard Electric proposed a larger, 150‑kilowatt generator sized for future growth but said lead time for that unit would be about 32 weeks.

Board members questioned why the county did not solicit more local electrician bids and criticized the informal process used to gather quotes. A supervisor suggested adopting a procurement policy to require formal advertising and more competitive bids for large equipment purchases in the future.

A motion was made to accept Hodextra Electric's quote for a 45kW unit at $78,176.30; the motion was seconded and carried. The record shows the board discussed whether to reopen bidding but ultimately proceeded with the vendor selection and directed staff to ensure better procurement procedures going forward.

Next steps include completing contract paperwork and scheduling installation with minimal service interruption to the jail and other critical facilities.