The Platte County Commission this week awarded a $300,000 contract to make repairs to the historic Platte County Courthouse to stop birds, bats, and other critters from getting inside.
The courthouse was built just after the Civil War. Many wood areas near the roofline have rotted over the years, and birds and other animals are getting into the courthouse.
County Commissioner Joe Vanover commented, "This contract is part of an ongoing effort to renovate and improve the courthouse. The judges and court clerks complained about birds and bats getting inside the courthouse. We want our buildings to be professional work spaces."
The project will involve a contractor removing and replacing rotted wood in the soffits and eaves near the roofline of the courthouse. "Taking care of the courthouse is like taking care of an old house. Maintenance never ends, but the beauty and history of the building make it worthwhile," said Vanover.
The problem of birds entering the courthouse becomes worse each spring and winter. The total budget of this repair project is $328,225. Platte County is spending $20 million in Covid relief money on modernizing its facilities and updating technology. Under federal guidelines, part of the money can be spent on projects that are not directly related to Covid.