Commission questions costs on courthouse roof replacement

Work has been completed on the roof of the Linn County Courthouse, however, county commissioners are asking questions as the cost of the project continues to increase. (Roger Sims / Linn County Journal)

By Charlene Sims

info@linncountyjournal.com

MOUND CITY – On Monday, Dec. 8, the Linn County Commissioners approved signing a proof-of-loss statement for the courthouse roof presented by Public Works Director Jesse Walton that would allow the insurance company to release funds to the contractor.

Linn County Commission Chair Jim Johnson asked, “He’s wanting how much this time? We have the $535,000 paid after this, right?”

Walton said that it had already been paid to the county.

Commissioner Jason Hightower clarified that the $535,846 had already been paid to the county and the county will have the remaining $386,184 coming.

Walton said that is what should be coming.

Walton said that form was to release the funds so the insurance can pay the contractor.

Commissioner Alison Hamilton asked, “We’ve already signed this before, what’s changed?”

“Nothing’s changed," Walton replied. "All they are saying is this has been updated to this is what’s been paid out. This is what they are going to pay this time so we can pay this next invoice for Dave. So every time Dave turns something in, they give us an updated one of what they have already paid to us for whatever project we’re on. On this and it deals with the courthouse, so this is what the remaining balance is to pay us so we can finish paying it.”

Johnson asked, “So we’ve received $535,846?”

Hamilton asked, “Is this accurate,  we received $535,000?”

“That’s the number I gave you last week,” replied Walton

“And they are going to cut us a check for $386,184.30?” asked Johnson.

Walton said they would.

Hightower made the motion for the chair to sign the sworn statement. It was approved.

Hamilton said, “I would just like to point out that I want to keep a close eye on this. I had a lot of concerns come in and we’re being monitored heavily on this particular claim.”

Walton said that he had been keeping in contact with the insurance representative weekly on this.

Walton replied, “So that’s what we are working on this week. Travis (Needham) was just in my office and we were visiting about that and this roof also.”

Johnson said that he wanted to make sure that everything was back to where the commission wants it before the complete amount was released. Both Hightower and Hamilton agreed.