Preston County Commission addresses courthouse water intrusion plans for the coming spring

At a recent meeting, commissioners discussed the issue, saying that now that the courthouse reconfiguration project is complete, they can focus on addressing problems on the first floor, beginning the search for a structural engineer to assess the courthouse.

Preston County Probation Office Administrator Martha Elliott said the water intrusion problem appears to be worsening, noting that the past year seemed to be the most significant yet.

Practically every office space on the first floor, specifically around the ground-level windows, and basement areas shows signs of water intrusion, officials said.

While the issue has existed during her five years working in the office, some preventive measures have been implemented, including allergen air filters for air quality and dehumidifiers, Elliott said.

While the courthouse is a significant historical building, its aging infrastructure is beginning to show wear that seems to be reaching a critical point, Elliott said.

It’s not just the courthouse either, but many of the historical buildings such as the Preston County’s Sheriff's Office, officials said.

“It would be nice just to have a building for all of us,” Elliott said. “It’s just the old buildings—they are old and just need the upkeep.”

Chief Probation Officer Crystal Thomas said water intrusion at the courthouse has been an issue for the entirety of her 31 years at the office.

With all of the signs, there is obviously a water issue, Thomas said, adding that air quality in the offices and the possibility of mold has been a longstanding concern.

“Through the previous commissions, we have expressed concerns,” she said, adding that while the problem was looked at, no action was ever taken in the past.

During prior administrations, tests were conducted, and officials examined the issue, but no solutions materialized, Thomas said.

“Over the years, it felt like the issue was addressed by putting a bandage on it,” she said.

The water intrusion issue may have been preventable in the past, but it was delayed, Thomas said, adding that the issue does need to be addressed. It understandably will be a significant undertaking for the county.

“It won’t be easy,” she said.

County Administrator Nathan Raybeck said officials are working to establish a timeline to begin the assessment of the issue.

“The water intrusion will absolutely be something that we are going to try to get a resolution for,” Raybeck said, adding that once the weather breaks in the spring, they should have a clearer timeline.

The project will likely move forward in the spring after the snow melts and the ground dries, he said.

One of the primary concerns regarding the courthouse’s water intrusion is the stability of the building’s foundation, he added.

“One line of thought would be to grade all that soil back,” Raybeck said.

If the water intrusion is caused by the courthouse grounds being consistently saturated with water, one possible solution would be to remove a perimeter of soil around the building so that no ground is touching it, he said.

“And if we are talking about grading everything back, which is a possibility, we will have to talk at length with a civil engineer as well,” Raybeck said.

If soil removal is the correct course of action, the next concern will be whether the courthouse’s foundation has the structural integrity to remain stable if the soil is moved, he said.

Regardless of the results of future inspections, the commission is pushing forward with the project to ensure it remains a priority this year, he added.

Additionally, the commission will soon hire a facilities supervisor who will be tasked with coordinating efforts for the project’s development, he said.

“This is a major focus and will continue to be a major focus for the commission,” Raybeck said.

Raybeck also echoed concerns about the county’s aging infrastructure, saying the commission will hold further discussions about all county buildings.

“We are looking for resolutions, not band-aids,” he said. “The security and safety of our employees is No. 1 and top of mind for us. We are going to do everything we need to do to ensure their safety and security and make their working environments the best they can be.”