Sheriff Murray Marston gave an update to Ellsworth County commissioners Monday regarding the piecemeal replacement of the 18 air conditioning units at the sheriff ’s office/ jail.

The Daikin models range from $3,000 for the smallest unit to $4,900 for the largest.

Marston noted there may need to be some adjustments to the ductwork at the sheriff ’s office. He will get with City Plumbing and have representatives take a look inspect it and suggest upgrades.

In other business:

• Shelly Vopat, county clerk, will check with the Kansas State Historical Society to see whether there are grants available to repair historical buildings. Commissioners were asked to consider a Midcontinental bid to repair the caulking on the front steps of the courthouse as well as scaling the plaster on several inside windows and fixing fallen wall plaster in the jury room and the county treasurer’s office.

The bid was for nearly $100,000.

Commission chairman Greg Bender suggested putting off the project until next year where it can be budgeted.

Vopat noted that any grant application would be due in November, which would be perfect timing.

Geneva Schneider, county treasurer, said Mid-continental told her workers are fully booked for some time to come.

• Lori Miller of Freedom Claims Insurance visited with commissioners about earning their employee health insurance business once it comes due later this year.

• Dave Cox of Maico Industries Inc. thanked the commissioners for approving $80,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding last year for Maico to help pay an unexpectedly large heating bill.

The next meeting of Ellsworth County commissioners will be at 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 26, at the county courthouse.