Blackford County: Commissioners Select Buckeye for Jail Generator at $107,658

From the Blackford County Commissioner meeting on August 17, 2026

The Blackford County Commissioners voted 2-0 to select Buckeye Power Sales for the county jail's replacement generator, approving a total project cost of approximately $107,658.

Buckeye's bid came in at $67,923 for the generator plus $13,485 for a required external heater, totaling $81,408. Two competing bids were significantly higher: Cummins at $98,000 and W.W. Williams at $99,941. Sheriff Heflin recommended Buckeye, noting the county already uses Buckeye transfer switches for compatibility.

In a separate 2-0 vote, the commissioners selected Titan for installation at $26,250. A competing installation estimate exceeded $50,000. Titan will provide a portable generator during installation to keep dispatch running while power is disconnected.

The sheriff will request an additional appropriation from county council at the next council meeting. Commissioner Lancaster was absent, on vacation in Colorado. The project had previously been estimated at approximately $115,000, making the final cost roughly $7,300 under that estimate.

Source: YouTube transcript — Blackford County Commissioner Meeting - August 17, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.