Commissioners authorize bid package for Justice Building façade repairs after panel collapse

The Kosciusko County Board of Commissioners authorized staff to move forward with a comprehensive bid package to repair the Justice Building’s limestone façade after a partial collapse.

Carrie, a county project manager, told the board engineers from WJB of Indianapolis completed forensic work and prepared full drawings and a bid scope that will be advertised soon. “We have a full set of drawings with a bid scope and plan to put this out for bid, real soon here,” she said; the board agreed to set bid dates after the meeting.

Commissioners said the packet covers more than the area that fell and includes reattaching other panels with a new anchoring system, resealing mortar joints and cleaning the entire exterior. “It’s the outcome of all that work that’s been done to try to get that building back up and in shape,” Chair Bob Connolly said.

The board emphasized caution in moving forward and stressed the work is intended to prevent a repeat of the earlier failure. Staff will finalize bid dates and publish the solicitation; no construction contract was awarded at the meeting.

The commissioners voted to authorize the bid package by voice vote; staff will return with the bid schedule and procurement timeline for subsequent board action.