County, City Split Cost of Fire Station A/C Replacement

By: Shelia Mader

Marianna City Manager William Long asked Jackson County commissioners Tuesday to share the cost of replacing an air conditioning unit at Fire Station 2, which is housed in a county-owned building on the Kynesville Highway.

Addressing the board during the county commission meeting, Long noted that while the City of Marianna occupies the facility rent-free, the county benefits from the emergency services provided there. He said the city was requesting that the county cover half of the replacement cost for the failed unit rather than the full expense.

Long explained that the city obtained three quotes from local HVAC contractors and selected the lowest bid of $7,870. The county's share of the cost would be $3,935. He added that the city spends approximately $300,000 annually to staff and operate the station.

Commissioner Paul Donofro said the request was reasonable, noting that the county owns the building and benefits from the city's presence and the services provided from the location. Donofro then made a motion to approve paying half of the replacement cost.

The motion received a second and was approved unanimously on a 5-0 vote, authorizing the county to contribute $3,935 toward the air conditioning replacement.