DEAR EDITOR:

The recent infrastructure failures at the Trumbull County jail are symptomatic of a larger, countywide problem. Those boiler, roofing and plumbing issues should never have progressed to the point of failure.

Mr. Dunnigan has made a start in checking the roofs on several county buildings. But this is an effort that must expand to plumbing, HVAC, parking lots, electrical, etc. on all buildings. System conditions must be documented and estimates made of expected lifespan for each system. Further, the county must institute a capital improvement fund (if one does not exist) in which to accrue funds for these major repairs. Mr. Dunnigan is again correct when he stated that “equipment like boilers and plumbing is 30 years old and should have been planned for replacement earlier.” All major infrastructure has a finite lifespan and financial planning should begin now to address those guaranteed future expenditures. Now the county has to scramble for funds to effect these repairs.

County offices were without air conditioning several summers ago when that system broke down. It was very uncomfortable in those offices for weeks. Unnecessary expenditures were made for rentals and expedited replacement. Commissioner Frenchko suggested at that time the establishment of a regular, graded inspection of each system and establishment of that capital fund. Maybe it’s now time to think ahead and get something done before a major failure results in catastrophe.

STEPHAN STOYAK

Girard