Commission asks for Servpro inspection and discusses warranty review after Ag Center leak

Holmes County staff told commissioners that a lunchtime leak damaged ceiling tiles in the Ag Center kitchen and that Johnson Roofing replaced a faulty screw and washer. County extension director Callen Waters said staff found no continuing visible leaks after the repair but noted one AC unit has lost Freon and a breaker had tripped.

Waters said he had reached out to Servpro for a no-cost inspection to check for hidden moisture in walls and other places where water damage could remain. A motion to have Servpro perform a free inspection passed after a motion and second were recorded.

Commissioners then turned to warranty and contract review questions. Staff and members said the HVAC equipment warranty in contract documents appeared to be one year; some commissioners asked whether warranty timing should start at occupancy or at final payment. A commissioner noted that a longer roof warranty had been discussed and suggested the contractor might amend terms.

Board discussion also covered potential conflicts: one commissioner had recused himself from dealing with the contractor because of past work. Several commissioners proposed hiring an outside reviewer (names mentioned in the discussion included a firm or individuals described as "Neighbors," "Gimlin" and "Nickerson") or outside counsel to review the contract and warranty language. A suggestion was made to pay such legal review fees from the county attorney line item until the matter was clarified.

What comes next: Staff said Servpro expected to inspect before the next meeting and commissioners asked staff to return with contract details and any third-party review recommendations.