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Lincoln County, Flathead Valley Community College press for repairs after roof damage and insurance dispute
Summary
County commissioners approved a $79,615.96 invoice to Advanced Roofing and agreed to press the contractor's insurer to cover remediation while staff work to keep the county-owned Flathead Valley Community College building safe for the spring term.
County commissioners on Dec. 3 approved payment of a $79,615.96 invoice to Advanced Roofing tied to work on the roof of the Flathead Valley Community College building the county owns.
Commissioner Hammonds reported that recent heavy rain and wind in early November ripped temporary roofing membrane during replacement work, causing water intrusion and ongoing moisture problems that required immediate mitigation. County staff said the college has paid for short-term emergency responses — water extraction and dehumidification gear — while restoration and longer-term repairs are determined.
County staff described the industry standard view that the November event may qualify as a “sudden and accidental” loss that should be handled through the contractor’s general liability carrier; staff said they have asked Advanced Roofing to contact its insurer and provided photographs and loss data. Commissioners said insurance adjusters must evaluate damage to separate pre-existing wear-and-tear from new damage caused by the recent event.
Lori Davies, a representative for Flathead Valley Community College, said the college is "just interested in where our next steps are," noting the urgency because the spring semester begins in late January and the college needs clarity about occupancy and classroom readiness.
County staff said they will give the contractor and insurer a short window to respond and that immediate mitigation work done by the college should be reimbursable to the tenant if carriers accept the claim. Commissioners emphasized that, regardless of longer-term disposition of the building (sale or lease), the county must restore the structure to safe public occupancy.
The board asked staff to follow up with the contractor and insurer for a report within roughly a week and to coordinate with the college on priorities so work can proceed promptly if carriers permit.
Votes and formal action: Separately, earlier in the meeting commissioners approved the Advanced Roofing invoice (motion seconded and approved). The record lists the invoice total as $79,615.96 but does not provide individual commissioner vote names in the transcript.
