GENERATOR ARRIVES AT WASHINGTON CO. JAIL

  

The Washington County Jail finally has its long-awaited generator.

The generator arrived at the jail this (Tuesday) morning and was placed on the pad that sits in the back of the facility. 

Jail Chief Deputy Eric Hensley said while there is still some final work to do before the generator is fully operational, this is a “welcome addition” and a “long time coming.”

Commissioner Dustin Majewski told KWHI that it should be around mid-March by the time installation and testing are completely done.

The generator project, contracted to W-Industries, has faced several delays and setbacks over the past few years.  Those include supply chain issues, changes in the size of the generator requested, and the overall lengthy process involved with obtaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to pay for the generator.

The county has been renting a temporary generator for the jail while it worked on replacing the old generator.  As of late last month, the county had spent over $150,000 in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds in making generator rental payments to Flying V Rentals since January 2022.

Majewski said this ordeal has been “frustrating to say the least” and is eager to “get that thing wiped off the books.” 

Previously, the county was told that the generator would be onsite, installed and tested by this past Friday, February 16^th.  Majewski said the county has assurances in writing that the contractor would pay for any county rental fees after the 16^th.