By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com

It’s not new news that the Crawford County Commissioners are to fix the courthouse roof but they may have just taken a step closer to having the project realized.

The commissioners have had to scrap project proposal after project proposal for one reason or another but Thursday’s proposal by Bruce Heinlen of Felty-Heinlen Architects and Planners, Inc. seemed to sit a bit more comfortably for the commissioners. Heinlen’s project proposal would be completed in six phases.

Phase one, which would cost $1,094,100 if no changes are made, would focus on the copper dome and observation level. Phase two, again with no changes to the plans, would cost $326,740 and would consist of work on the clock tower, bell level interior and tower exterior. To save an extra $40,000 by eliminating a second construction of scaffolding, Heinlen suggested combining phase one and two. Phase three, costing $1,402,000, would replace the roof. Heinlen said phases four, five and six were optional choices for projects down the road. Those projects would replace the existing pitched shingle roof ($109,300), make HVAC improvements ($409,200), and restore the interior of the courtroom ($271,200). The total project would cost an estimated $3,612,540.

Heinlen added that portions of the project could be moved around to accommodate certain phases, such as the HVAC improvements.

Commissioner Doug Weisenauer quickly dismissed spending $440,000 in phase three of the project to replace the pressed copper wall panels on top of the roof. He pointed out that the panels couldn’t even be seen from ground level if someone stood across the street. Facilities manager David Weir joked that the only way someone could see the panels would be if they stood at Wendy’s on South Sandusky Avenue.

Rather than spend nearly half a million dollars on pressed copper panels, Heinlen said they could use some other material that mimicked the look. Commissioner Steve Reinhard suggested painting the panels to look like copper.

Heinlen suggested that the commissioners take the time to see if the scope and budget of the proposal were reasonable for what they need.

“So long as it gets done this year…or at least gets started,” Commissioner Doug Weisenauer said.

The Commissioners are still seeking funds from the Ohio Historic Preservation Office to help offset the costs.