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Ashe County authorizes Riverview repairs, scopes septic and upgrades fire alarm with contingency funds
Summary
The county moved forward on Riverview Community Center repairs: authorized up to $36,000 to scope the septic system and up to $60,000 to install a hardwired fire detection/monitoring system; officials said FEMA reimbursement is possible but not guaranteed and larger mitigation work remains under review.
Ashe County commissioners on Dec. 15 authorized two immediate expense authorizations to advance repairs and safety upgrades at the Riverview Community Center, while staff pursue larger FEMA mitigation grants and insurance recoveries.
The board approved up to $36,000 from contingency to scope the building's sewer lines so contractors can determine whether targeted repairs or a full trench-and-replace are necessary. The motion was presented after staff said the system includes a mix of terracotta and cast-iron piping and that a full replacement could cost about $1 million if extensive damage is confirmed.
Commissioners also approved up to $60,000 from contingency to replace the center's residential-grade fire detection with a hardwired, commercial monitoring system. Century Fire Protection provided a written estimate of approximately $57,000, and presenters said the existing system has generated frequent false alarms that have required unnecessary responses.
Presenters and commissioners emphasized the county's priority to minimize risk for people who use the center daily, including students and program participants. Staff said some costs may be reimbursable by FEMA or other grant programs but acknowledged that reimbursement timing and eligibility are uncertain. The Riverview update also outlined other funding sources under consideration, including a $66,000 North Carolina Community Foundation proposal for kitchen and door repairs and Golden Leaf grant requests for bathroom refurbishments.
Board members heard that the overall price tag for repairs plus flood-mitigation measures could reach roughly $4 million if comprehensive mitigation (flood walls, gates and structural work) is required. County staff said their immediate goal is to complete scoping and targeted repairs this winter and to finalize FEMA mitigation submittals in the coming days. The board asked staff to continue pursuing the most cost-effective contractors and to report back on reimbursement prospects.
The county also reported progress on Riverview's gym renovation and content-replacement grants; gym painting and finish work were expected to be completed in the days after the meeting.
The motions to authorize the septic scoping and the hardwired fire system were both approved by the board.
