"We have to get a new chiller installed, like yesterday," the sheriff said. "If the temperature rises in the jail the way it is and stays that way, we’ll be moving prisoners. And we don't want to do that."
He said his jail staff is at risk as well. "Working when it's up to 95 degrees isn't feasible."
The commissioners voted 3-0 to declare a health and safety emergency, which allowed the county to move quickly in making the purchase.
The county will pay $85,000 for a new chiller. "We need to move on this now," the sheriff advised. "I need to make a phone call to get this installed."