Mineral County officials are racing against the clock to expend an $80,000 grant to repair the roof of the courthouse annex building, which houses the county jail and Sheriff’s Office.  

The roof membrane and underlying insulation haven’t been replaced since the annex was built in 1994. Lack of proper insulation and dysfunctional rooftop air units causes the jail to overheat in the summer and freeze during the winter.  

Former Mineral County Commissioner Shawn Smalley applied for an $80,000 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant through the Montana Department of Environmental Quality in February, and the county was awarded the grant in early May.  

Improvements funded by the grant include installing thicker insulation with enhanced air sealing, replacing the deteriorated roof membrane and upgrading the HVAC system. County Grant Writer Amy Parks said the repairs would save the county an estimated $8,400 in annual energy costs and reduce annual energy consumption by 25%. 

However, county officials wonder if it’s possible to complete this work by the grant’s Oct. 31 deadline. A review of the draft contract for the grant was submitted to the state in late May, and signing was completed July 8, Parks said. 

Before work can start, an inspection of the roof for asbestos must be completed. Architects and engineers previously reported possible traces of asbestos in the annex and attached courthouse.  

An asbestos inspection is expected to happen within the next couple of weeks, said Slate Architect President and Principal Architect Scott Cromwell, the county’s architectural consultant. 

He added that it’s difficult to find an available contractor for roof repairs this late in the summer. Cromwell said the county will likely search for contractors by the end of August and hire someone by mid-September.  

Mineral County commissioners will meet with Cromwell on Thursday at 1 p.m. to discuss the project and the Oct. 31 deadline. The meeting is at the Mineral County courthouse, 300 River St., Superior, and available online at co.mineral.mt.us.  

Report for America Reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at 406-758-4439 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.