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Cost of wall to protect judge’s office revealed

By Mike Reuther 2 min read

Lycoming County commissioners will make a request for proposals for a flood wall to protect the new district judge's office in Old Lycoming Township.

The estimated cost for the wall is $180,000, according to commissioners.

"We are putting out an RFP. The one quote came in too high," Commissioner Scott Metzger said.

Commissioners this past week made it clear they were upset over the rising costs required to relocate District Judge William Solomon's office.

Commissioner Tony Mussare said he felt the county had done its due diligence in selecting a site for the building and purchasing the property. He said people should be outraged about the issue.

However, the property is located within a flood zone, which calls for erecting a wall beside the building to house the new district judge offices, according to the township's elevation and flood proofing requirements.

The property has experienced minor flooding in the past.

Metzger noted his frustration about the regulations and additional costs now faced by the county.

"Now we have to do these things since we purchased it (the building)," he said. "It should be grandfathered in."

Commissioner Rick Mirabito stated this week that the county was limited in its selection of sites for the new office.

Among other considerations, the property had to be within the existing magisterial district, offer parking, and be purchased at an affordable cost.

The property purchase price was $245,000.

The county performed the work of razing a house and garage at the property.

"We did that with our own workers," Metzger said.

The site is expected to be finished and ready to house the new office by July.

Starting at /week.