Clay County approves funding for roofs at Rooney Justice Center and public safety building

Clay County Commissioners voted unanimously on Jan. 22 to appropriate funds for roof replacement projects at the Rooney Justice Center, the county detention facility and the public safety building.

Facilities Director Donna Coontz told commissioners this was the third presentation of the project, noting prior budget presentations and that the county’s insurance was already exhausted after tornado damage to the Rooney Justice Center’s copper dome. Coontz said the selected vendor, Garland, offers a 25‑year warranty on the three roofs.

Commissioners asked about the age of the existing roofs and whether insurance or warranties would cover the work; Coontz said repairs had been performed over time but there had been no full roof replacements recently and insurance funds are not available for this project. Administrator staff explained remaining costs will be provided from ARPA-related funds and other budgeted sources.

A commissioner asked why the county is spending “over 2 and a half million on a roof”; staff reiterated that the repairs and warranty justify the appropriation. After brief discussion the commission approved agenda item 20 26 23 by voice vote, 5-0.

The commission did not specify an exact project contract amount in the public discussion; staff said deeds and vendor warranty terms will be included in procurement documents and that staff will proceed with contracting and implementation steps.