SHAWANO, WI- The Shawano County Library roof, suffering from internal rot, will require significant repairs, according to Steve Dreher, manager of the county maintenance department. Speaking at the public property committee meeting on June 13, Dreher revealed that the roof, dating back to the 1990s, began showing signs of damage during foundation repairs this spring, which cost several thousand dollars.
Allen Bontrager Carpentry in Bonduel provided estimates for various repair options: $11,600 for a patchwork fix, $60,300 for a new shingle roof, and $81,000 for a new steel roof. Dreher suggested using federal ARPA funds but noted these are already earmarked for other projects.
Supervisor Randy Young questioned the long-term value of investing in a new roof, given the building’s other issues, including an outdated mechanical system, uncleaned ducts, subpar windows, and asbestos presence. Dreher estimated substantial investment, potentially in the seven digits, would be required if the county retains the facility.
Administrative Coordinator Jim Davel recommended the patchwork fix, advising to wait for final costs of the jail controllers project, initially estimated at $500,000 but now closer to $1.5 million, before deciding on the library roof.
Supervisor Rick Giese supported a steel roof, but Dreher warned about potential issues uncovered during roof replacement. Ultimately, Dreher and Davel suggested temporary repairs with contingencies, totaling around $15,000.
Supervisor Tom Kautza proposed ranking the repair options for the executive committee to decide, contingent on available ARPA funds. After a brief debate, the committee approved Giese’s motion to install the steel roof.
The meeting also addressed new siding for a building on the human services campus on Anderson Avenue. Dreher discussed a 2023 suggestion to remove fake log siding for $65,000, with a lifespan of four to six years. This year, Freedom Carpentry in Shawano estimated $109,500 to re-side the entire building. Dreher emphasized that all projects over $25,000 would require formal bidding, providing these estimates as a basis for budgeting.
Comments