Pipe collapse under prison kitchen costs county over $40,000 – InkFreeNews.com

By David Slone
Times Union

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY – A pipe collapse beneath the kitchen of the Kosciusko County Jail will cost the county more than $40,000.

On Tuesday, August 27, Kosciusko County Commissioners approved $11,500 for Miller Sewer & Drain to perform work on the prison kitchen drain as requested by County Administrator Marsha McSherry.

“So this was three parts, and we have two estimates and approvals for it. It's already been approved as an emergency repair. We had a cast iron pipe collapse under the prison kitchen floor, and the $11,500 you have to approve is for cutting concrete, digging the floor 2-3 feet deep and replacing the pipe, replacing the soil and cement. So that's the first part of it,” she said.

Commissioner Bob Conley asked if that was all and that he wouldn't touch it for that amount. Commissioner Brad Jackson said it would get worse.

After this was approved, McSherry presented the second part.

“Two years ago we had cameras in those pipes and everything was fine. At that time we had a pipe burst in another part of the prison kitchen. While we were there they ran the cameras one way and then the other way. So one way it costs $12,000 to put a liner in so that this doesn't happen to us again in a few years. And the 50-foot section costs $17,000, so a total of $29,000. And that's all related to the pipe burst,” McSherry explained.

Conley said the pipes are not new and are probably over 50 years old. McSherry said they are as old as the prison building.
Jackson said the repair was a breeze.

“It’s a beautiful kitchen and the ability to line it reduces the impact on the facility,” said Commissioner Cary Groninger.

McSherry said they were able to do so because the pipe collapsed and created a hole.

Jackson made the motion for approval, Groninger agreed and the motion was passed 3-0.