The Utilities Administration Building is having more trouble with the HVAC system. In May, a contract was awarded to Gibson Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, LLC to replace the three units on the former Hernando Times building, which was purchased by the county last year for $4.15 million.
Following the initial contract of $140,500, a change order of $18,268 was authorized for warranties for the new chiller units. As the Hernando Sun reported in May, the original contract amount was $25,000 less than the independent estimate the County received.
However, it seems there is more work to be done on the rooftop. Purchasing and Contracts Manager Anthony Garzione asked the BOCC to approve another change order, this one for $56,713.50, which brings the new total for the project to $215,481.50.
Gordon Onderdonk is the Utilities Director. The cooler weather made them aware that there was no heat in the Utilities Administration Building, and employees were wearing jackets in the building he said. The commissioners got quite a chuckle over this.
“Work faster,” joked Commissioner Wayne Dukes.
While the chillers may have been replaced, the 15-year-old air handling units and motor controls in the building were not. According to Onderdonk, the controls are responsible for heating the coils, something they did not realize as initially defective. The entire HVAC essentially system needs to be overhauled.
The BOCC agreed that was a necessary expense and voted unanimously to approve the added funds. The location has been open to customers for two months.
Related articles:
County’s $4.15 million Utilities Building (former Times Building) in need of $140K in A/C Repairs
County To Purchase Times Building for $4.15 Million