The Muskingum County Jail will soon have two new boilers installed after one failed, leaving the jail with one remaining unit to supply the entire complex with hot water.

Scott Lee, maintenance supervisor, met with County Commissioners Monday to discuss the situation. The jail was supported by two boiler systems, each over 25-years-old, often running 24/7.

“One boiler won’t run the whole jail,” said Lee, explaining that due to the amount of hot water used, the system will need to be replaced.

Lee said he had spoken with Sheriff Matt Lutz, who is willing to help offset the cost with money from his department.

Lee explained to Commissioners that the boiler needing replaced is in front of the working unit, which should it fail, would require the newly installed boiled to be removed, so the decision was made to replace both units.

The new boilers should be installed within a week and will only require minimal downtime for the jail. The expected cost is $34,140.