Sheriff: burst line flooded firearms range; cleanup and electrical repairs underway

Polk County Sheriff Tadman reported that a copper water line inside the firearms range utility room burst in late March, spraying water on electrical panels and saturating insulation and wall panels. The break left the building damp with visible mold and caused circuit damage that disabled heat and some electrical systems.

Deputy/Sergeant Ben Stout located the break; staff met the insurance adjuster and began emergency steps to restore heat and prevent further mold growth. County facilities installed a temporary control board to run the furnace and speed drying. Steamatic began cleanup and removal of steel panels to inspect mold and water damage.

Staff presented contractor estimates obtained so far: Steamatic (cleanup and mold remediation) for $81,815; Burkstrom Electric about $9,570 to replace panels, pull the electrical panels and replace insulation; a furnace replacement was quoted at $3,289. Plumbing work and additional reconstruction bids will follow cleanup when scope is clear. The sheriff said a claim is in process with insurance and that training will continue where safe; he stressed they will not stop required firearms practice while repairs proceed.

Commissioners asked whether the county needed to approve bids formally; staff said the insurance claim is active and that immediate cleanup was required. Commissioners supported prompt remediation to avoid health risks from mold and to restore the training facility.