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New generator contract is for $355K

COLUMBUS—After discovering the generator was not adequate enough during several power outages over the last few years, the Polk County Board of Commissioners decided to replace the generator with a larger one. 

County commissioners met last week and heard from county manager Marche Pittman. 

Pittman said the new generator will cover the entire building, including running the heat and air conditioning during a power outage. 

Commissioners approved a contract with Fountain Electric & Services out of Spindale for $355,000. Fountain Electric is also the contractor who did the electrical work for the sheriff’s office building when it was constructed a few years ago. Pittman said one of the reasons for recommending Fountain Electric is because they can install the generator without interrupting electrical service during the installation. 

Other bids were for almost $500,000 and $266,750. 

The current 300 kW generator will be removed and replaced with a 750kW generator. 

The contractors plan to provide a temporary power plant so electrical service is not interrupted during the installation.