Blackford County Jail Backup Generator Approved for Replacement After 30 Years

From the Blackford County Commissioners meeting on April 6, 2026, County Council meeting on April 8, 2026, and Commissioners meeting on April 20, 2026

Blackford County will replace the jail's failing backup generator — original equipment from when the jail was built around 1996 — after the county council directed the sheriff to buy new rather than repair.

Sheriff Heftlin told commissioners the transfer switches are bad, the generator kicks on randomly, lights dim when it starts, and it takes progressively longer to engage. Without it, the jail loses dispatch, cameras, and electronic door controls.

Three quotes were obtained: WW Williams at $99,921 for full replacement, Cummins at a similar price, and Buckeye at approximately $80,000. A repair-only option for the transfer switches was quoted at $40,000, but at 30 years old, the generator has exceeded its 20–25 year expected lifespan and future parts may not be available. Council member Ryan Goodspeed expressed concern about putting $40,000 into repairs on uncertain returns.

The jail's commissary fund has approximately $1.2 million available, and the non-appropriated fund has $157,044.36. As of April 20, the sheriff is gathering additional maintenance agreement quotes and plans to finalize the vendor selection at the May 4 meeting. The replacement would be a 250KW diesel generator and may require an IDEM permit.

The expected cost is $80,000–$100,000 depending on the vendor selected, funded from existing jail and public safety funds.

Source: Video transcripts — Commissioner Meeting 2026-04-06, County Council 2026-04-08, Commissioner Meeting 2026-04-20