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WARREN -- Temperature fluctuations in the Trumbull County jail could have led to the possible spread of the COVID-19 virus, but upgrades to the controls of the HVAC facility also has added an unexpected comfort to the prisoners.
"We would have some cells where the temperature would get into the upper 50s, while others would be roasting at about 80 degrees," sheriff's Major Daniel Mason, jail administrator, said talking about the former conditions at the lockup.
Mason said the new system, approved Nov. 10 by Trumbull County commissioners, would allow for a more consistent interior temperature at the high-rise facility along High Street NW.
The system would replace the old manual vent relays from the jail's HVAC system with electronically monitored relays, Mason said.
The goal is for more consistent indoor temperatures to mitigate the COVID-19 virus and other harmful particulates in the jail.
Comfort Systems USA-Ohio of Hamilton has been contracted by the count to furnish all labor and materials necessary to install the new control system. The cost of the contract was amended last week by almost $17,000 to $217,302, an agenda item approved by a 3-0 vote by Commissioners Frank Fuda, Mauro Cantalamessa and Dan Polivka.
According to commissioners, the amended cost would provide additional temperature control sensors, the installation of conductor cables and the software necessary so jail staff can control the indoor temperatures by remote control, Mason said.
gvogrin@tribtoday.com