By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The situation at the Barton County Courthouse stinks for county commissioners. In February, the board approved $4.2 million in renovations to the 104-year-old building, largely centered around the building's heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning. Last week, the commission approved $125,000 more in change orders while the project is underway. Tuesday morning, the body approved another $63,000 for the project. County Administrator Matt Patzner explained the issue to the commission.
"With the courthouse HVAC project underway, we believe it's an appropriate time to consider replacing water pipes throughout the building," he said. "Included would also be the replacement of certain water heaters, sanitary waste, and vent piping, as well as the renovation of certain first-floor bathrooms."
Commissioner Duane Reif said his big fear is doing all the work inside the building now only to have a water leak in the future. Commissioner Tricia Schlessiger recalled several patches on pipes that were meant to be temporary but still exist today. Commissioner Donna Zimmerman mentioned the sewer line break near the old HVAC unit.
"I know this is a huge project, and I know this won't come without a hefty ticket," she said, "but it does make sense that since the pipes are in such bad condition that, while everyone is out of the building, we have to look at it."
Orazem & Scalora Engineering will create the design for the work and it is unknown how much the work will cost. Patzner said the goal is to keep the additional work within the time frame of the original plans.