Courthouse fixup costs come in over budget

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Courthouse fixup costs come in over budget

Tuesday, March 14, 2006

GREG NELSON

FOR THE SAGINAW NEWS

MI

http://www.mlive.com/news/sanews/index.ssf?/base/news-

18/1142347817201150.xml & coll=9

ITHACA -- Repairs at the Gratiot County Courthouse will cost much

more than officials thought.

Last year the Board of Commissioners approved spending about

$150,000 to fix leaks in the roof and windows, improve air quality

and address moisture problems caused by mold in the 100-year-old

building.

However, architect Dziurman told board members last week that

further inspection has revealed the need for additional work.

The new price could range anywhere from $275,000 to $300,000, County

Administrator Dan Skiver said.

" Unfortunately, there are a lot more things we need to do than what

was anticipated, " he said. " It's going to be a lot more expensive

than we initially thought. "

Commissioners approved paying Dziurman $7,500 to come up with a

design plan and bid out the project in four phases -- roof, windows,

interior plaster and painting, and repairing the exterior sandstone

walls.

Because the courthouse is a registered historic site, improvements

must meet strict guidelines and receive approval from the state

Historic Preservation Office, making them more costly.

If county officials fail to abide by the guidelines, they could lose

federal funding for other projects.

Infrared tests of the walls " revealed things that you just can't see

with the naked eye, like hidden moisture penetration, " Skiver said.

Window ledges that slope toward the building and deteriorating

caulking have contributed to the moisture problems. Damaged slate

roof tiles and missing flashing have resulted in leaks in the

circuit courtroom, stairwells, probate courtroom and offices.

The initial cost estimate was part of a $1.4 million bond sale that

county commissioners approved in September to fund projects

including the new Central Dispatch center and security upgrades at

the courthouse.

Skiver isn't sure how the board will pay the additional costs.

" We will wait and see how the prices come back, and the board will

develop a strategy for how to address it, " he said.v