LaPorte County Council & Board of Commissioners Joint Workshop June 15, 2026

The LaPorte County Council and Board of Commissioners held a joint workshop on June 15, 2026, primarily focused on addressing ongoing heating and air conditioning issues at the county courthouse. The discussion detailed the history of HVAC system repairs, including multiple compressor replacements and the challenges with the current LG system, which has not functioned properly since installation. The council reviewed repair proposals totaling approximately $85,509 for immediate fixes, with additional costs anticipated for indoor unit repairs and compressor replacements. They debated whether to continue investing in repairs or pursue a full system replacement, considering past issues with similar systems in other county buildings. The council agreed on the need to solicit Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for a design-build engineering firm to assess and propose a comprehensive HVAC solution, aiming to hold one contractor accountable for design and installation. They also discussed interim measures such as installing dehumidifiers at an estimated cost of $75,000 for three floors and applying window tinting to reduce heat load. Budget considerations included the status of bond payments and potential funding options, with an emphasis on avoiding costly delays. The meeting concluded with plans to move forward with immediate repairs to restore partial functionality and to initiate the RFP process for a long-term HVAC system replacement.