Oxford officials consider air-quality options

By Associated Press - Monday, January 27, 2014

OXFORD, Miss. (AP) - Oxford officials are looking at replacing the city hall’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning system in early 2015.

Air quality tests done after a discussion of allergies among city hall showed some potential allergens, but officials with Memphis-based Environmental Test and Balance Co. said there nothing surprising for a system in place since the early 1970s.

“We found out it’s about as we expected,” Bart Robinson, director of public works, told the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal (https://bit.ly/L1c14k ).

Robinson said a mechanical contractor estimated the system could be cleaned for about $50,000, but the incomplete nature of the fix and the potential efficiency gains in new equipment - estimated to cost about $300,000 - made replacement seem more reasonable.

Tests for carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, ozone, hydrocarbons, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and total particulate counts showed results well below current standards.

The issue was brought to public attention in December, when the board of aldermen gave initial approval to the demolition of an old armory building. Mayor Pat Patterson said then that the building should be preserved in case it became necessary to vacate city hall to remedy air quality issues.

“I don’t think it’ll have any bearing on the demolition of the armory now,” Robinson said. “I’ll get moving with that as soon as they give me the green light. I think everybody wants to demolish it.”