Marshall County Commissioners approve $260,000 elevator repair plan for County Building

One of the elevators in the Marshall County Building has been out of order for some time, and the Marshall County Commissioners have approved a plan to get it back up and running — along with preventative repairs to the building's second elevator.

Bill Schoof, Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds, appeared before the commissioners Monday to present several quotes for fixing the problem. Schoof explained that the controllers — the brains that make the elevators go up and down — are old and obsolete, and replacement parts are no longer available.

Three options were presented to the commissioners. Otis Elevator quoted $31,288 to hydro-enhance the controllers for one elevator, with an estimated four to six weeks for parts to arrive. The company claimed the fix would last two to six years. The second option, at $130,000 per elevator, would hydro fit-mod the controllers, totally updating them to the latest technology. The third option, at $250,000 per elevator, would improve the controllers as well as replace the hinges and door controls, but would take nine months to a year to complete.

Since the building has two elevators of the same age, Schoof noted that it makes sense to repair both at the same time. However, he told the commissioners his budget does not have the funds to cover any of the options.

After discussion, the commissioners decided to go with the hydro fit-mod option at a total cost of $260,000 for both elevators. Schoof will seek an additional appropriation at the August 10th Marshall County Council meeting to fund the necessary repairs.