Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary presented the Starke County Commissioners this week with quotes for automatic-start generator quotes for all thee ambulance bases.
The commissioners allowed Clary to obtain quotes following an extended power outage for about 15 to 18 hours at the Grovertown base during an ice storm on New Year’s Eve. Clary explained at the time that the bases have to power to properly keep medicines at proper temperature in the ambulance as well as the staff members. Radios need to operate with electric as well as the ambulance doors, and the power cots.
Live Oak Electric provided a quote of $23,295 for 18 KW Generac automatic start generators for the North Judson and Grovertown ambulance bases. A 24 KW Generac generator would be installed at the Knox base. Clary recommended the quote as they are an authorized dealer and will change the oil every six months and can fix any warranty issues after installation. A contract for $295 could be considered to have them continue to do maintenance and repairs.
The concrete pad for placement would be poured for that amount.
Other quotes were received by Busse Electric for $23,437.18 for Generac generators, and Duane’s Electric for $21,792 for 12 KW Briggs and Stratton generators at all three stations.
Starke County Auditor Rachel Oesterreich recommended only buying one generator in order to watch spending in the Cumulative Capital Development Fund.
The commissioners unanimously approved the purchase of one generator for the Grovertown ambulance base.
