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Last updated on Wednesday, November 7, 2018
(BEDFORD) - During an emergency Lawrence County commissioner’s meeting this morning they addressed the concern of major water leaks damaging the interior of the courthouse.
"We had contractors come in about six weeks ago and do some repairs and we were hoping we wouldn't have to deal with the problem of replacing the roof till spring, but the repairs didn't solve the problem," says Commissioner President Rodney Fish. "We are trying to get an evaluation of the cost and time frame on when we can get the repairs done."
The leaks are damaging the plaster around the Courthouse Rotunda.
"Some of that plasterwork being damaged dates back to the WPA days in 1930," says County Attorney David Smith. "We are risking damaging work that can't be replaced. We are already beginning to see water damage and discolorization. If left to go through winter you could be looking at major costs and safety issues."
Commissioner Gene McCracken says the work needs to be done as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
"And before the internal damage escalates the cost of repairs," he added.
The commissioner secured two bids on the project hoping to make repairs in the Spring.
"We were trying to be proactive going into next year during budget hearings," Fish says. "But these repairs can't wait till then."
The commissioners voted to hire Royalty Roofing to replace the roof.
Royalty is an authorized Platinum commercial roofing contractor for the Duro-Last® single-ply roofing system. The Duro-Last single-ply roofing system is ideal for any flat or low-sloped, new or retrofit application, The roof eliminates up to 85 of rooftop installation seaming and ensures an excellent fit, delivering worry-free, leak-proof, long-term protection. The highly-reflective white membrane also saved on energy costs.
The Duro-Last system roof is also resistant to fire, chemicals, grease, high winds, and punctures, and easily accommodates wide temperature extremes.
The new roof can be installed over the existing roof without an expensive tear-off. The roof also comes with a comprehensive 20-year no dollar limit warranty.
The county council will now decide how to pay for the roof. If the county pays for the roof in advance the cost will be $40,017 if they wait until the roof is installed the cost will be $41,242.
Crews hope to begin work the week of December 10th weather permitting, but promised to move that date up if at all possible to prevent further damage to the courthouse.
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