Page County officials are evaluating the purchase of a backup generator for the county courthouse following a recent power outage that left the building without electricity for several days.
During a recent regular meeting, the county board of supervisors reviewed two bids for the generator, procured by Troy Spinks, who manages courthouse maintenance. The bids were approximately $165,000 and $97,000, covering the generator and installation costs. However, the board ultimately decided to table any action. Supervisor Judy Clark highlighted the need for the generator after the courthouse experienced an extended power outage.
“Troy reached out after we discussed this issue again,” Clark stated. “Todd [Maher] and I agreed on the necessity of a generator after enduring three or four days without electricity.”
Clark further mentioned that Chief Jailer Tony Shackelford suggested the possibility of purchasing the generator through the state, which could result in significant savings.
“(Shackelford) checked recently, and the cost for the generator through government purchasing would be around $50,000,” she noted. “If we can table this, Troy can collaborate with Tony to reach out to contractors again. We could buy the generator and have it delivered, with contractors handling the electrical work, pad, and everything else.”
Shackelford added that the $50,000 estimate was for a natural gas generator, while diesel generators typically cost less. Supervisors Chair Jacob Holmes expressed cautious support for the backup generator, emphasizing that the decision should be cost-dependent.
“My feelings on a generator for the courthouse are mixed,” Holmes remarked. “We’ve gone 150 years without one, and no one lives in the courthouse. It really depends on the cost because we still have numerous infrastructure issues like unfixed bridges and roads.”
Clark emphasized the importance of maintaining access to courthouse services during power outages, noting several shorter outages in the past.
“We have essential services like driver’s licenses, real estate, marriage, birth, and death certificates,” she said. “Additionally, we handle car licenses, property issues, accounting, and payroll.”
Holmes also mentioned the potential increase in annual maintenance costs, with Shackelford estimating around $700 per year for the jail’s generator maintenance. The board agreed to have Spinks and Shackelford further investigate the possibility of acquiring a generator through the state for the courthouse.
Related topics:
