By David Slone
Times-Union

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — A pipe collapse underneath the Kosciusko County Jail kitchen will cost the county over $40,000.

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

“So there were three parts to this, and we have two estimates and approvals for this. It’s already been approved as an emergency repair. We had a cast iron pipe under the floor of the jail kitchen collapse, and the $11,500 that you need to approve is to cut concrete, dig down about 2-3 feet in the floor and replace the pipe, replace the dirt and replace the 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 stated it was going to get worse.

After that was approved, McSherry presented the second part.

“Two years ago, we had cameras in these pipes and everything was good. That time we had a pipe collapse in a different part of the jail kitchen. While we were in there, they ran cameras in one direction, and then they ran camera in the other direction. So, one direction is $12,000 to put a liner in so we don’t have this happen again in a couple years. And then the 50-foot section is $17,000 for a total of $29,000. And this is all related to this pipe collapsing,” McSherry explained.

Conley said they’re not new pipes and are probably over 50 years old. McSherry said they’re as old as the jail building.
Jackson said it was a no-brainer to repair.

“It’s a nice kitchen so being able to line it reduces the amount of impact to the facility,” Commissioner Cary Groninger said.

McSherry said they’re able to do it because of the hole from the pipe collapse.

Jackson made a motion to approve, Groninger seconded and it passed 3-0.