Steele County commissioners reviewed contractor estimates to repair and insulate the Hope Building and discussed using FEMA and insurance funds to cover the work after damage tied to a June 20 disaster declaration.

The issue matters because the building serves county operations and staff reported heating inefficiency — staff said the uninsulated brick walls required frequent refilling of a 500-gallon heating oil tank during cold months.

A contractor’s full bid for the scope that includes stripping exterior, installing insulation (blue board) and finishing work was read into the record as $30,720. A presenter said the county currently has about $13,000 budgeted for building repairs and anticipated needing roughly $15,000 more to cover the full bid if the board approved the additional work. County staff recommended adding replacement of the front walk-in door and the two single-pane wood windows while contractors were on site; commissioners expressed support for adding the door and windows to improve insulation and reduce fuel use.

Staff explained an approach to funding: because the damage was tied to the June 20 disaster declaration, FEMA had approved that declaration and the presenter said the work would be an allowable expense under FEMA. The presenter outlined a reimbursement flow: the county would first work with insurance; when insurance issue payment, FEMA could cover the difference. The transcript records the speaker saying, “Whenever insurance cuts the check flow, FEMA would cut the difference.” No dollar amount for the expected FEMA share or insurance settlement was given.

Commissioners asked about timelines, material availability and whether contractors could finish the additional door/windows work this year. Staff said they would check availability and, if needed, arrange a brief follow-up meeting (a short Zoom) to approve any add-on cost if timing prevented a vote at the current meeting. The board asked staff to obtain estimates for the additional door and window work and to report back.

No formal contract award was completed during the meeting; commissioners signaled support for moving forward subject to confirming availability, exact scope and the administrative steps required to file insurance and FEMA claims.