The Riley County Public Works building will be powered down Thursday.
Public Works Director Leon Hobson told county commissioners Monday morning the department is set to install a new standby power equipment and generator will provide back-up power for various county entities.
“Power is being shut off to allow the contractor an opportunity to install the necessary equipment and ultimately the generator in order to connect it to the system,” Hobson told the board. “This project will allow the Public Works facility, the Noxious Weed facilities and the aTa Bus facility to maintain phone and computer services during a power outrage.
“In addition, emergency power will be available at this location to serve as a backup during any kind of a disaster or anytime there’s an extended power outage at the courthouse.”
Economy Electric in Manhattan won the bid for the contract with an offer of $59,160 earlier this year and was funded through the county’s Capital Improvement Project fund. Hobson said services will be limited at the building on Thursday.
In other items, Hobson also told commissioners that Sunday’s severe weather and more on the way this week — especially Tuesday — has delayed construction slated to begin this week to next Monday on North Otter Branch Road in northern Riley County. Hobson said that construction should last five days.
Also, commission chairman Ben Wilson joined Pawnee Mental Health Services executive director Robbin Cole in proclaiming May Mental Health Month in the county.
Mental health has been on the minds of local leaders in the region and plans continue to move forward to develop a regional facility for those suffering from mental illness and to keep those afflicted out of local jails.
