OTTAWA — Franklin County commissioners heard a presentation Monday on options for heating and cooling for the historic courthouse. Engineering consultant Bill Bassette of Latimer, Sommers and Associates; said he crawled all over and inside the courthouse and he reviewed several options. He recommended that commissioners consider a water-based heat pump system that uses a wedge-shaped network of about 40 geothermal wells drilled into the lawn. The system would cost more to install but would be simpler and cheaper to operate and would be more environmentally- and historically-conscious, and wouldn’t be visible outside of the courthouse, he said. Depending on the final engineering design and other circumstances, the system would cost a little more than $1.3 million up to about $1.8 million, he said. Commissioners asked several questions about each of the options as well as his recommendation. County administrator Lisa Johnson told commissioners she’s been talking to the county’s bond counselor about how to pay for the proposal.. Because of the unusually low interest rates, the bond company has a backlog of governments seeking bonds for projects, she said. It would be towards the end of November before Johnson said she could offer a funding proposal.
Wednesday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m.
