County Council Allocates $1 Million to Repair Boilers in County-City Building

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SOUTH BEND, Ind. — In a bid to address persistent heating issues in the County-City Building, the St. Joe County Council has greenlit a substantial $1 million from the county's "rainy day fund" to facilitate crucial repairs. Constructed 53 years ago, the aging infrastructure of the building has begun to manifest in various operational challenges, notably heating deficiencies that have intermittently forced temporary closures.

The allocated funds will primarily target the replacement of the building's boilers, each estimated to cost between $400,000 to $450,000, with additional allowances for fittings and unforeseen expenses that may arise during the repair process. Randy Figg, a Council member, emphasized the necessity of these repairs, citing the impracticality of relocating the county's operations due to the associated costs and the looming prospect of maintaining an empty building.

The boilers, situated on the fifth floor, not only serve the County-City Building but also provide heating for three adjacent courthouses. The decision to allocate the funds was unanimous among council members, spurred by the critical need highlighted by recurrent winter-related issues, including water leaks and heating failures that prompted full-scale closures.

Figg likened the decision to maintaining one's household, stressing the importance of proactive upkeep to mitigate further deterioration. While the approved funds address the pressing boiler issue, other infrastructure concerns such as plumbing deficiencies remain pending, contingent upon the city's relocation from the premises.

Despite ongoing debates regarding the building's long-term viability and potential relocation, the unanimous council decision underscores a collective commitment to ensuring the continued functionality of the County-City Building, a cornerstone of the community's administrative infrastructure. With repairs set in motion, stakeholders are optimistic about mitigating operational disruptions and preserving this integral civic asset for future generations.