MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The Reno County Commission will take up infrastructure and equipment items during its meeting Wednesday, Oct. 22, including repairs to the courthouse dome, a fire alarm system replacement, and the purchase of new patrol vehicles for the Sheriff’s Office.
Courthouse Dome and Masonry Repairs
Facilities Director Kyle Stewart reported that cracks between stones in the courthouse dome are allowing rainwater to leak behind the stonework, seeping down into ceilings on the fifth floor. Mortar deterioration on the east side of the fifth floor has also led to water intrusion, damaging paint and drywall in multiple offices.
According to Stewart, these issues were not addressed in an earlier courthouse renovation project due to cost-cutting measures. Temporary fixes have been applied by county staff, but he warned that they are not sustainable solutions.
After seeking bids from 11 masonry contractors, nine of those contractors declined to submit a bid due to the scope of the project. Stewart said only Mid-Continental Restoration of Fort Scott submitted a formal proposal—totaling $69,200—which he recommended the commission approve.
Fire Alarm System Replacement
Stewart also recommends replacing the courthouse’s outdated fire alarm system. The current system, supplied by a manufacturer that was acquired in 2016, has been obsolete for several years, with replacement parts no longer available. Stewart noted that the system has become prone to false alarms, to the point that staff no longer respond to them.
Bids were received from FireTronics Partners of Hutchinson ($45,131), Pinnacle Fire & Automation of Wichita ($41,300), and Johnson Controls of Wichita ($117,095). Despite not being the lowest bid, Stewart recommended FireTronics, citing its local presence and the fact that its equipment is used throughout other county facilities.
Sheriff’s Office Vehicle Purchases
Commissioners will also consider approving the purchase of three new Ford Police Interceptor Utility SUVs for the Reno County Sheriff’s Office. Automotive Director Ron Brubaker noted that all patrol vehicles in the department have been Police Interceptor Utilities since 2011, which simplifies maintenance and standardizes parts.
Midwest Superstore quoted $135,762 for the three vehicles, while Midway Motors quoted $135,822. Midway Motors also offered an alternative quote of $118,158 for three Dodge Durango pursuit SUVs.