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Lincoln County, Flathead Valley Community College move to repair county-owned building after roofing leak
Summary
Commissioners discussed repairs and insurance follow-up after roofing work caused water intrusion at the county-owned Flathead Valley Community College building; an invoice from Advanced Roofing for $79,615.96 was approved and staff said remediation and dehumidification costs have been incurred while the contractor’s insurer is contacted.
Lincoln County commissioners on Dec. 3 discussed emergency repairs and insurance follow-up after recent roof work led to water intrusion at the county‑owned Flathead Valley Community College building.
Commissioner Hammonds and county staff described a period of heavy rain and wind that they said tore a temporary membrane installed by the contractor, Advanced Roofing, allowing water into the building. County staff said the tenant and the county incurred immediate cleanup and dehumidification costs and that those costs should be reimbursed through insurance where appropriate.
The board approved an invoice tied to the college roof project and associated work, which was presented to the commissioners as a combined progress payment and replacement‑of‑damaged‑insulation request totaling $79,615.96. A commissioner moved and the board seconded approval and the motion was recorded as approved.
Lori Davies, representing Flathead Valley Community College, told the board the college’s primary concern is having the building ready and safe for occupation for the start of the spring semester. "We're just interested in where our next steps are," she said, adding the college needs clarity about whether to expect repairs, temporary relocation, or other accommodations for students and staff.
County staff reported they have asked Advanced Roofing to contact its insurance carrier and provided photos and incident data to the contractor’s agent. Staff also said the college had previously submitted a claim to its carrier (documents dated in July) that had been denied on the basis that the damage was attributable to wear and tear rather than a single sudden event.
The commissioners directed staff to follow up with the contractor and insurers and agreed to pause major structural work for about a week to allow insurance adjusters the opportunity to review damage before demolition or intrusive repairs begin. County staff said immediate mitigation — extraction, dehumidification and temporary measures — is ongoing to protect public safety and preserve building systems.
The county emphasized that, regardless of the longer‑term disposition of the facility (retain, lease or sell), the building must be made safe for public occupancy before the college’s spring semester. Staff said they will report back to the board after further contact with the contractor and its carrier.
Ending: The board recessed pending further updates from the contractor and insurance carriers and to allow the college time to plan for the upcoming term.
