Van Buren Receives Bid To Repair Leak On Courthouse Steeple

After four bid attempts and months of advertising, Van Buren County has received one bid to repair a leak on the courthouse steeple.

Mayor Greg Wilson said the county’s budget committee approved a $5,000 bid for the commission to consider. However, there are liability concerns about the project.

“We did find a way to get up through by removing some boards and what not inside the building and going up an old stairway so to speak,” Wilson said. “The problem with that is he’s going to have to come out onto the slope of the steeple.”

Wilson said the contractor would then rope up to the leak that is some 40 to 60 feet above ground. Wilson said he wants the project reviewed by the county’s attorney to ensure the county is not liable.

“He has the insurance and the workerman’s comp insurance to cover himself if anything happens,” Wilson said. “We will also have him sign a release that we are not responsible. Once he takes this job, we will go through our attorney if it’s passed on the 21st. We’ll have out attorney fix up an agreement since that is how he is going to be doing it.”

Wilson said if the attorney does not advise the work, he will recommend the commission to deny the bid. Regardless, Wilson said it is a relief to finally receive a bid.

“It will go to the full commission on the 21st, Wilson said. “Out of four times, it’s the only bid that we’ve gotten. We’re proud to get that out of the way. A whole lot of relief to get it over with.”

Wilson said the contractor will dictate the schedule of work if approved. Wilson said he anticipates the work could begin in about a month.