Workers found a few surprises when they started work on restoration of the Old Courthouse roof and cupola.
The copper cupola was pockmarked from gunshots, probably bullets from a .22 rifle, and beams that supported the cupola were far more rotted than anybody anticipated.
It's probable there is a bit of a connection between the two sets of unanticipated damage. County Manager Jay Gsell suggested that at least more than 20 years ago, somebody thought he could solve the pigeon problem on the roof with a rifle. That didn't work, of course, and the pigeons kept coming back and coming back and coming back, and their nesting in and around the cupola caused the rotting beams.
Repairs to this damage caused a $30,000 cost overrun for the restoration project, which was originally budgeted for $180,000.
The Public Service Committee approved a recommended budget amendment yesterday to cover the cost of the overrun.
Photos courtesy Tim Hens, county highway superintendent.
A worker fills bullet holes with copper welds.
The view down West Main from atop the Old Courthouse.
Nice coverage, Howard.
Nice coverage, Howard.