Marshall County Commissioners back HVAC Control Upgrade and new roof for Community Corrections Building

7-10-26     Friday News     1 A.M.   E-4

The Marshall County Commissioners took action Monday on two building maintenance matters, endorsing a new HVAC control system for the County Building and approving a metal roof for the Community Corrections office.

Billy Schoof from Marshall County's Building and Grounds Department presented three proposals for an HVAC Control Project in the County Building, recommending the low bid from D.A. Dodd of Mishawaka. Beyond the competitive price, Schoof noted that D.A. Dodd offered a five-year warranty on controls — compared to just one year from the competing firms — along with a strong track record working with county governments on similar projects.

The need for the upgrade is pressing. Schoof told commissioners he is currently manually adjusting controls and valves in the building seven days a week just to keep systems functioning.

"For the first five years, we don't even touch it unless it's something outside of the control issue," Schoof said of the Dodd contract. "They come in and take care of everything."

The project covers controls only, not the mechanical components. Once new controls are installed, Schoof will receive a report identifying which mechanical systems are functioning properly and which may need attention — at which point a separate contractor would be engaged for any mechanical repairs.

County Attorney Sean Surrisi noted this will mark the first time the county uses the build-operate-transfer statutory procedure for procurement. The next steps include securing the County Council's financial support, preparation of a formal contract, a public hearing, and final commissioner approval. The commissioners gave their support to move forward with D.A. Dodd.

Schoof also brought forward a roof repair issue at the Community Corrections office at the corner of North Plum and East Jefferson Streets. He obtained two quotes from Timber & Steel — a metal roof at $9,825 and an asphalt shingle replacement at $10,300.

Schoof recommended the metal roof, explaining it can be installed directly over the existing roof without a tear-off, and said he has the funds in his budget to cover the work. Timber & Steel can begin as soon as approved.

Commissioner Stan Klotz noted the situation was anticipated. "We knew this was coming. That's why we made such a low offer on the building. We knew we were going to have to put some money into it."

All three commissioners — Klotz, Jesse Bohannon, and Adam Faulstich — voted unanimously in favor of the metal roof.