An air conditioning company citing concerns about tariffs and the economy is refusing to honor a contract with The Villages.
The Sumter Landing Community Development District and/or The Villages Operating Co. have had a contract dating back to 2020 with M&S Air Conditioning of Leesburg. The scope of work under these contracts has included replacing filters, inspecting and cleaning air intakes, checking equipment for proper operation, performing monthly, quarterly, bi-annual and annual maintenance of heating and air conditioning systems throughout District Government facilities in The Villages.
In April, the company submitted “a written notice of their intent to unilaterally terminate all active agreements across the Districts, citing economic conditions and increased tariffs,” according to a memo from the District’s Purchasing Department.
District staff determined that the agreements do not include any provision allowing for “unilateral termination” by the contractor for such causes. The District issued a formal demand for resumption of services, which M&S Air Conditioning “failed to honor or cure within the required timeframe.”
The Purchasing Department is recommending turning the work over to another company and formally suspending M&S Air Conditioning from future solicitations with the District Government.