Pratt County approves $7,500 to install vent covers after pigeon infestation found in courthouse attic

Pratt County commissioners voted 3-0 to spend $7,500 from capital-improvement funds to install steel vent covers on the courthouse after staff reported pigeons nesting above the building's fourth floor.

The payment, approved during the commission meeting, is intended to stop birds from entering the attic space and to reduce further damage to ceiling tiles and indoor air quality. A commissioner moved and the board seconded the expenditure; the motion passed unanimously.

County staff reported that workers heard pigeons above the fourth floor and found multiple ceiling tiles soiled or water‑damaged. Staff said vents would be replaced with powder‑coated steel covers intended to resist wildlife damage and that a contractor, Nick Anderson, had provided a quote to repair and secure exterior vents. Commissioners and staff discussed the need to remove accumulated droppings and to replace contaminated tiles, but they agreed not to replace ceiling tiles until the underlying condensation or leak issue is diagnosed and repaired to avoid recurring damage.

Officials said the pigeon droppings posed a health concern in areas that house records and office equipment and that cleaning and remediation might require a contractor with the right equipment. Staff said they would contact the vendor who supplied the vent quote to determine whether that contractor could also clean the attic space and replace severely damaged tiles; respirators and additional protective supplies were noted as likely necessary for cleanup work.

Next steps identified at the meeting include scheduling the installation of the vent covers, getting a quote for attic cleanup, and diagnosing the source of water or condensation that is causing wet ceiling tiles. Commissioners instructed staff to return with estimates and a timeline for ceiling‑tile remediation so the board can consider any additional capital requests.