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Facilities committee refers boardroom renovation cost increase after asbestos discovered
Summary
Committee voted to refer an increased capital request for boardroom renovation to finance after asbestos was found in flooring mastic and tile; staff said mitigation work and air monitoring are underway and the committee will determine funding source with finance.
Warren County’s Facilities Committee on a voice vote referred a capital-project increase for a county-center boardroom renovation to the Finance Committee after contractors discovered asbestos in the mastic beneath flooring tiles.
A facilities staff member told the committee that during expedited design and bid work to spend remaining ARPA funds staff had asbestos and lead-based paint testing performed and “they did find it in the boardroom. They found it in the mastic in the flooring.” The speaker said the contractor removed carpet and tiles and that remediation has shown some asbestos has “seeped its way…into the concrete flooring.” The county is meeting with contractors to decide whether to overlay float mortar or to remove the affected material chemically or by grinding; staff said all areas are quarantined and air monitoring will be conducted before, during and after mitigation.
Committee members asked about cost and funding sources. The facilities speaker said an extra of $64,000 was identified as needed for the mitigation, but that allowances in the existing contract might cover portions of the work. The resolution referred the matter to the Finance Committee to identify the exact amount and a funding source; committee members noted the county previously set aside funds for environmental issues tied to foreclosed properties, but staff said they were not sure that set-aside could be used for this project.
Why it matters: asbestos discovered during renovation can increase costs, impose work stoppages, and requires certified mitigation and air monitoring to protect workers and the public. The committee’s referral to Finance means the county will determine how to pay for unexpected remediation before awarding or increasing construction contracts.
Next steps: staff will meet with the asbestos contractor to finalize the remediation approach, quantify the final cost, and return to Finance with a recommended funding source. The committee recorded a voice vote to send the resolution to Finance; a formal funding determination will follow.
