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Commissioners order further review of jail plumbing quotes after staff warn of leaks and mold risk
Summary
County staff reported two bids to repair hot‑water piping and related leaks at the jail (estimates discussed in the tens of thousands); commissioners asked for itemized scopes and engineer review before selecting a firm and urged prompt repairs to avoid mold and worsening corrosion.
County staff and maintenance personnel reported ongoing leaks and corroded piping at the Warren County jail and presented two quotes for repair. One quote discussed in the meeting was roughly in the high‑tens of thousands; staff also identified a separate water‑softener replacement estimated at about $6,000.
Commissioners and staff emphasized the need for an itemized scope of work from each bidder and recommended having an engineer review the bids so apples‑to‑apples comparisons can be made before authorizing a large expenditure. One commissioner said, "If we try to handle those without an engineer or somebody looking over the project and somebody comparing quotes...this is what we get," signaling concern about prior work that did not fix issues.
The board did not approve either bid immediately; instead commissioners directed staff to obtain detailed breakouts and to reconvene for a decision so repairs can proceed without undue delay to avoid mold and further damage.
Why it matters: The jail is an essential county facility. Deferred or incomplete repairs could increase costs and health risks for incarcerated people and staff.
Next steps: Staff will request itemized scopes from both contractors, ask for an engineering review and return to the board with a recommendation.
