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Sheriff: repaired main water valve ruptured; county, insurer and vendors responding; $100,000 prepayment expected
Summary
On Oct. 23 a repaired 6-inch main water valve at the Guadalupe County sheriff's office ruptured; staff and vendors cleared most water and the office remained operational. TAC, the county's property insurer, will prepare a $100,000 prepayment; the judge said a budget amendment to create Fund 700 will be considered Dec. 2.
A repaired 6-inch main water valve at the Guadalupe County sheriff's office ruptured on Oct. 23, displacing staff and damaging offices, Sheriff Ray told commissioners on Nov. 18.
"On October 23 at approximately 10AM, the repair in that main water line ruptured. The water was shut off within 5 minutes of the rupture," Sheriff Ray said, describing rapid on-site response by county personnel, volunteer firefighters and vendors. Servpro began water extraction within hours; Armstrong Movers removed furniture and vendors placed more than 120 fans and over 25 dehumidifiers. Staff estimated about 46 offices in the building were affected.
Sheriff Ray said the office remained operational, though some training rooms and patrol personnel were displaced and certain scheduled training and events may be affected. He thanked county departments that provided temporary offices and meeting space while repairs proceed.
Judge Lagor said county staff contacted TAC, the county's property insurer, and that TAC's adjuster, engineer and attorney had inspected the facility. "TAC is preparing a $100,000 prepayment, [a] claim just to cover some of those expenses," the judge said. He added that the county anticipates filing a budget amendment on Dec. 2 to create Fund 700 for capital projects and to move forward with repairs. The judge estimated the total cost could range from about $100,000 to $300,000 or $400,000 but said the county expects insurance to cover most expenses.
County staff said the vendor that performed the repair (ME Plumbing) also has insurance and that insurers will coordinate on liability and coverage. The court asked for a walkthrough with the adjuster to refine the scope of repairs before final contracting.
Commissioners praised the interdepartmental response and acknowledged there may be interim costs the county must front before insurance reimbursements are completed.
