Starke County approves up to $30,000 for emergency courthouse roof repairs

County maintenance staff reported storm damage to the top of the courthouse and provided Atlas Roofing’s estimate in the $25,000–$30,000 range to repair seams and seal open areas. The county has a $50,000 insurance deductible but will still report storm damage to insurance; staff recommended immediate temporary measures (tarping and sealing) and a follow-up inspection to determine whether a full replacement is necessary.

Rick said the contractor would tarp and secure the affected seams and then provide a repair estimate after inspecting the roof. Commissioners authorized up to $30,000 from the courthouse maintenance fund for emergency work to prevent further water intrusion and directed staff to have the contractor inspect the entire roof while on site.

Why it matters: The courthouse is on or referenced with historical protections; preventing water intrusion protects records and building integrity and averts potential greater expense later. Commissioners noted the insurance-deductible threshold and asked staff to report back after the contractor’s inspection.

Next steps: Contractor work to proceed; staff to inspect the full roof and return with cost details if a larger replacement is needed.