Hall County plans fall repairs after condensate lines rusted shut in County Attorney’s building

The Hall County Board of Commissioners directed staff to develop a fall repair plan for condensate piping problems that have caused humidity, ceiling leaks and interior damage at the County Attorney’s building.

Staff told the board the building’s fan‑coil condensate lines were originally installed with galvanized pipe and have “rusted shut,” creating blocked drains and visible leak damage. Staff presented three options: continue temporary pans above ceilings, empty the building and do a full replacement, or phase repairs floor‑by‑floor while relocating occupants within the building. The board approved a motion to plan for the repairs with the expectation work would be done in the fall; the motion carried on a 6–0 vote.

Officials said an initial ballpark figure for replacement labor and materials was between $50,000 and $60,000 but stressed the total cost is uncertain because the drain area behind an elevator shaft is inaccessible until opened and the extent of corrosion there is unknown. Commissioners asked staff to develop bid specifications and to plan the schedule and temporary relocation in advance to minimize disruption.

Board members said they preferred completing major work in the cooler months when the building can be partially shut down, and asked staff to pursue phased work only if it reduces risk and cost. The board did not approve a specific contractor or final appropriation at the meeting; it instead authorized staff to prepare a plan, solicit bids, and present options for formal approval later in the budget cycle.

If the board later moves forward with the full replacement, it will need to return with a contract and funding source for a final vote.