Clearwater County has opted for a $3.97 million plan to replace the aging ice plant at Caroline’s Kurt Browning Arena.

Of three replacement options presented to council, the low-charge ammonia and brine system was not only touted as being the least expensive at $2.8 million, but was also described as being highly efficient.

The other options were a carbon dioxide refrigeration system, estimated at $3.53 million, and a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant system, estimated at $3.85 million.

The ice plant building itself was also considered. Rehabilitating the existing building was pegged at $980,000, while a new prefabricated building was estimated at $1.15 million.

Council selected the ammonia system and a prefabricated building, for an estimated total cost of $3.97 million.

Kate Reglin, the county’s capital projects supervisor, said the system could serve the community for 40 to 50 years.

The county budgeted $2 million for the project this year, while the Caroline Agricultural Society has committed $1 million. Officials say the remaining project funding would need to be included in the 2027 budget and drawn from the Caroline infrastructure restricted surplus.

Public Works Director Erik Hansen said the replacement should not interrupt on-ice activities as hockey season gets underway.

“The plant should still be operational — the changeover should be quick.”

Hansen added the months-long ice plant discussions in Caroline are nearing a critical juncture, and administration is hoping to move forward on the plans soon.

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The 40-year-old system remains operational, but county officials say it is nearing the end of its service life.

Before council made its decision, Reglin outlined several alternatives to replacing the system.

One option was to maintain the existing system, which she said could be expensive, would not bring the plant up to modern codes, and would only buy time for a system already past its end of life.

No installation timeline was provided, but Hansen said the project would return for further discussion during September strategic planning sessions.