Clarion County commissioners on Tuesday approved a resolution that allows an emergency work order to repair water damage to the old county jail.
The order allows work to be done without soliciting bids.
“This allowed us to go out and get the work started right now,” commissioner Ted Tharan said.
A heavy rainstorm overwhelmed an internal drainpipe in the gutter system on the roof of the old jail on Friday, causing water to enter the building that now houses the county’s 911 dispatch center, according to the county.
Commissioners issued the emergency work order to Keystone Enviro Vac Services of Crown to correct any drainage problems and clean areas affected by the water.
“We are going the environmental route because of our current pigeon problem,” said Tharan.
The building has an issue with an overpopulation of pigeons and the birds’ feces.
One county employee said more than 150 birds were counted in one instance in the building last week.
“We don’t know what could be in the (feces) so we can’t take the chance,” said Tharan. “Our main concern is to protect workers and the public.”
The project is estimated to cost the county about $15,000. The water will need to be cleared and the area must be chemically treated.
Water entered the building Friday when a drain detached from the building. The water entered a hallway but didn’t damage any of the 911 equipment.
Carol Clinger, the county’s chief clerk, said 911 operations weren’t interrupted because of the water.
The county anticipates the entire process to be completed by Friday. The county also plans to file an insurance claim with its provider.