Commission approves $10,000 contractor hire to remove pigeons, cleans and screen courthouse attic

The Pratt County Commission unanimously approved a $10,000 contract with Anderson Wildlife Solutions to remove pigeons from the courthouse attic, disinfect contaminated areas and install screens to prevent re-entry.

County officials described extensive pigeon nesting and accumulated droppings above the third-level ceiling; one staff member said the attic “has some serious dirt, dust, hundred and 25 years of stuff in between the rafter joist and that lath and plaster ceiling” and that the pigeons occupy multiple ceiling levels.

Why it matters: Pigeon droppings and nesting material can present sanitation concerns and disruptions to courthouse operations; the commission said the work would likely come from capital-improvement funds and approved the contractor hire 3–0.

Commissioners also raised multiple recent courthouse maintenance issues. Staff reported at least four leaks in the prior week, including a condensation-line leak on the first floor that left tile and standing water and that staff cleaned with paper towels because no mop or wet-floor signs were available. Commissioners discussed that routine cleaning is quarterly, and several asked for basic supplies and clearer assignment of day-to-day custodial tasks.

Separately, county staff and consultants inspected the courthouse roof and described multiple layers of old roofing and areas that appear to be 30 years old or older; commissioners discussed contacting insurance for a roof review following hail-inspection history and whether further roof repairs or replacement will be needed. The county agreed to touch base with insurance and get clearer documentation about prior inspections and recommendations.

The commission approved the pigeon remediation motion (vote recorded as 3–0) and directed staff to proceed with contracting and scheduling the work; commissioners said they would sign the contract so work could start as soon as the contractor is available.