Pueblo County closes courthouse after water shutoff; cleanup and damage assessment under way

Pueblo County closed the courthouse on the day before the July 29 work session after a temporary water shutoff prompted health and operational concerns, County Manager Spina Genesio said. Mitigation work is under way, with a professional restoration company on site and equipment running to dry affected areas.

“Closures aren't determined lightly. But when water has to be shut off, that does present ... a health concern,” Genesio said, explaining why the county closed the building the previous day. He told commissioners the contractor Servpro is conducting safety checks, mitigation and an assessment of damage and will provide a report on whether elements such as carpeting need replacement.

Genesio said dehumidifiers and fans are expected to run for the remainder of the week while facilities staff and contractors prepare a comprehensive assessment and start insurance processing. He added the county may consult archival experts to try to preserve or salvage documents that may have been affected; staff acknowledged that records preservation is a critical next step.

A commissioner asked whether professionals who arrived the prior day would evaluate document preservation and carpeting; staff responded that the restoration company will provide a full assessment and facilities will present options for repair or replacement. No formal board action was taken during the work session; the item was an operational update.