County building construction progresses; hailstorm prompted insurance inspections and potential roof replacements

Commissioners received an update Sept. 15 on the McPherson County building project and on insurance inspections following a recent hail event that damaged county vehicles and roofing materials.

A building-committee member reported that sheetrock installation and painting are under way on multiple floors, wood door finishing and tile work in bathrooms are in progress, ceiling grids are being installed and carpet installation is scheduled for November. The new building—s street address will be 200 North Maple, and interior signage work is being handled by Sarah Seif—s firm.

Committee members said the certificate of occupancy is now likely to be issued in March or early April rather than earlier dates previously hoped for. The committee noted additional IT work was required and that decisions about the north-side garage and tower exterior cleaning and rooftop-unit screening remain to be resolved in a work session.

Administrators also reported that a recent hailstorm caused notable damage to county vehicles (public works and law enforcement) and to building elements such as screens and some roof surfaces. The county—s insurance carrier, K Camp, will inspect roofs and facilities; committee members said two contractors already performed initial inspections and at least one contractor used drone imagery to document courthouse roof damage. Those preliminary inspections suggested some roofs will require full replacement rather than repair. The committee said it will coordinate K Camp—s site visit and follow up with the insurer and the board when more information and cost estimates are available.