Option studied for new chiller
By Melinda L. Lucas
During Monday’s meeting of the Shackelford County commissioners, elected officials eliminated an option of applying for a low-interest HVAC loan program and talked about the unsecured internet access at the county library.
Observing the session were 11 local 4-H officers, along with county extension agent Kelsey Bell.
Bell explained that the 4-Hers were attending in order to learn more about parliamentary procedure.
They introduced themselves, including what 4-H office they currently hold. In turn, all the elected officials stated their names and offices.
One of the 4-Hers, Connor Smith gave a presentation about the Bass Brigades camp he attended this past summer.
Courthouse Chiller
County judge Robert Skelton reported on a low interest loan program he had researched that the county could use to fund a new chiller for the Courthouse’s HVAC system.
The current chiller is 20 years old with R22 refrigerant, which will not be available after another two years and is already very expensive, explained Skelton. The commissioners have already agreed that the chiller should be replaced in the near future.
Several representatives from Cary Services were present at the meeting to provide pricing for a chiller, which is in the neighborhood of $75,000 to $78,000 for a 40-ton unit, which matches the rest of the system. The requirements of the loan would “drive the cost up a little.”
“The loan process is pretty arduous,” said Skelton, and the general consensus seemed to be that the requirements of the loan would offset the low interest. A motion passed not to pursue the loan at this time.
When the parking lot project is complete, commissioners will consider using some of the Rescue Funds that are left for the chiller replacement.
Other Business
•Complaints that individuals sit in running vehicles at all hours to use the free unsecured internet at the Shackelford County Library were discussed, but the item was tabled until more information is obtained about how to limit or secure the internet.
•County treasurer Tammy Brown distributed the September financial report, which closes out the county’s fiscal year. The report was approved with no discussion.
•The officials split the county’s $27,242 in Capital Credits between the two schools, giving them $12,500 each, with $2,242 given to the library.
