Portage County staff presented details Oct. 30 on a planned replacement of air‑conditioning units and boilers at the county juvenile detention center, describing a three‑phase project with each phase estimated at about $2,400,000.

"You can notice that the project will be completed in 3 phases, with each phase totaling about $2,400,000," a staff member substituting for Shannon told the board, calling the work a "huge undertaking" that is necessary rather than discretionary. Commissioners asked whether funds had been set aside; the staff member said no dedicated funding had been identified and that the county would need to make cuts elsewhere or identify other resources.

Discussion focused on timing, invoicing and project oversight. Staff said the proposal is a quote at this stage and that specific time frames for each phase depend on parts availability and contractor scheduling. The presenter said the vendor included "net 30" payment terms in its quote and that the county expects phased invoicing — an initial invoice to start each phase and subsequent invoices upon completion — but that the contract would firm up these details before signing. Commissioners requested that the contract specify regular project meetings and clear invoicing milestones; a project manager has been assigned by the vendor, staff added.

No formal motion to fund or authorize the project was recorded at the meeting. Staff said the proposal period is limited (30 days for bids/proposals), and that the county will return with more detailed timelines and financing plans prior to contract execution.