McCulloch County officials report courthouse roof water penetration; insurance coverage unclear

A Dec. 10 inspection of the McCulloch County Courthouse found water had penetrated metal panels around the bell tower and that welds on gutter seams had failed, allowing water into exterior walls, County Judge Frank Trull told the Court at its Dec. 22 meeting.

Trull said the inspection was performed by representatives from McLarens, and that he received their preliminary findings after the inspection. He said a formal report is expected after the first of the year. Based on the preliminary findings, Trull said it does not appear the county's insurance will cover this type of damage, but the Court will await the final determination from the insurance company.

Commissioners discussed prior evaluations by an engineer sent by the Texas Association of Counties (TAC) and noted the county has received multiple assessments. No decision on repairs or funding was made at the Dec. 22 meeting; the transcript records only the preliminary findings and the expectation of a formal report in early January.

The meeting record does not include a cost estimate for repairs or a firm insurance determination. The Court emphasized it will review the formal McLarens report once it is received and decide next steps then.