SUPERIOR -- Mineral County commissioners say it’s time to start renovation on the county jail and courthouse in Superior, but they’re still debating how to best approach funding for these projects.  

Commissioners agreed last month the jail’s roof and HVAC system, and the covered entryway to the 106-year-old Mineral County Courthouse, should be prioritized for renovation. The projects were labeled as high priority in a preliminary architecture report finalized in October that was put together by Slate Architecture and IMEG Corp.  

“There’s some parts of our facility that just absolutely need to get done,” said Commissioner Shawn Smalley during a Jan. 5 meeting.  

At the meeting, commissioners unanimously voted to put out a request for proposals for the projects. The proposals could either go out for contractors to begin the work, or to an engineering firm, which could offer consultation services and assist in grant applications, Commissioner Duane Simons told the Inter Lake.   

“We're kind of in a stall,” Simons said. “One of my hands says we should use that money to its fullest extent and get busy on this. The other hand says, ‘Well, it sure would be nice to have some money in the bank in case something else goes wrong.’”  

Mineral County has $2.6 million in federal funding through the Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund. County officials said this is the only money available to work on these projects.   

Commissioners could either save the funds to put toward grant matches or spend it now to address desperately needed repairs. Simons anticipates the jail’s roof will be the first project they tackle. 

Officials plan to continue applying for state and federal funding, such as community development block grants, but it’s a difficult task without a designated grant writer, Smalley said.  

“We’re looking at all avenues for funding,” he said. 

THE ANNEXED detention center and Sheriff’s Office, adjacent to the courthouse, lacks proper insulation and ventilation, causing the facility to overheat in the summer and drop to freezing temperatures in the winter. The annex structure was built around the Sheriff’s Office in 1994 and is connected to the courthouse via a shared elevator tower, according to the report.  

Engineers recommended replacing the roof’s failing thermoplastic polyolefin membrane and installing insulation underneath it.  

“Doing so will provide a superior building envelope that will increase energy efficiency of the building,” the report states.  

The jail’s HVAC system is also in need of replacement. Engineers recommended replacing the roof’s top units with Variable Air Volume units, replacing the existing low-pressure ductwork with medium pressure ductwork and replacing the electric furnace serving the Sheriff’s Office with a new gas fired furnace that includes a remote condensing unit to provide cooling.  

Total estimated costs to repair the jail’s roof and HVAC system range between $817,512 and $1.06 million, according to the report.   

The covered portico entryway to the Mineral County Courthouse leans to one side, caused by the southern entry pillar slowly settling over the last several years. Cracks are visible in the brick base of the pillar.  

Costs to repair each column are estimated to range from $5,500 to $19,500. Replacement of the masonry, woodwork of the column covers and wood framing for roof reinforcement ranges between $19,826 and $25,773. 

THESE PROJECTS are only the tip of a mountain of repairs recommended for the courthouse, jail and Sheriff’s Office.  

Bathrooms throughout the courthouse were found to be out of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The building is also assumed to have asbestos in multiple areas, primarily in the ceiling and floor finishings, according to the report. Water stains are visible on ceilings throughout the building, and the roof is visibly sagging at the chimney. 

Security issues also remain a top concern. Detainees are escorted from the annexed detention center through public areas of the courthouse to the district courtroom on the third floor. This issue has been a top concern for county commissioners, the county sheriff and was flagged by the U.S. Department of Justice. 

Reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at 758-4439 or [email protected].

    Portico entryway of Mineral County Courthouse shows signs of wear and is in need of replacement, according to engineers. (Hannah Shields/Daily Inter Lake)
  

    Portico entryway of Mineral County Courthouse shows signs of wear and is in need of replacement, according to engineers. (Hannah Shields/Daily Inter Lake)
  

    Water stains and missing ceiling patches are visible in offices and rooms throughout the Mineral County Courthouse. (Hannah Shields/Daily Inter Lake)
  

    Water stains and missing ceiling patches are visible in offices and rooms throughout the Mineral County Courthouse. (Hannah Shields/Daily Inter Lake)
  

    Engineers recommend replacing the failing roof membrane and HVAC system of the Mineral County detention center. (Hannah Shields/Daily Inter Lake)