Covington County commissioners table decision on Covenant Arena roof repairs pending cost and warranty details

Covington County commissioners on June 9 voted to table consideration of a contractor proposal to repair the roof of the Covenant Arena until their next meeting, saying they need clearer cost comparisons and warranty terms before deciding whether to authorize work now or budget a larger restoration later.

The county’s public works representative described continuing leaks that are beginning to affect the rodeo floor and presented a repair option that would replace screws, seal seams and replace skylights. The written proposal notes that "this is not a complete liquid applied roof coating system" but that the repair coating "can be converted into a complete roof restoration coating system with a manufacturer's labor and material warranty upon request." Commissioners asked staff to confirm whether that warranty would be included in the quoted price or require a separate upgrade.

Commissioners also revisited earlier cost estimates mentioned in meeting discussion: a roughly $300,000 figure previously cited for sealing the roof, and a larger $773,000 figure discussed during the current presentation. Several commissioners said they wanted to know whether the repair could be credited toward a later full replacement and whether competitive bidding or public‑works procurement rules would affect contractor selection or pricing.

"If the picture I saw where the water was in the floor is accurate, we won't be able to hold events if heavy rains continue," a commissioner said, urging timely action while also seeking durable, long‑term protection.

Commissioner Lynn moved to table the proposal and have staff return with the additional details; Commissioner Tommy seconded. The motion passed by voice vote. The commission asked staff to determine (1) exact scope and warranty options for the proposed repair coating, (2) comparative costs for a complete restoration, (3) whether work already performed by the vendor could be credited toward a later contract, and (4) whether the work must be bid under public‑works thresholds. The commission noted contingency funds and next‑year budgeting as possible funding sources depending on the cost outcome.

Next steps: staff will acquire the requested pricing and warranty information and report back at the next meeting so the commission can decide whether to proceed immediately with the repair, approve a larger restoration or include the work in next year’s capital budget.