Officials mull legal action over leaky roof

LISBON — When the new Columbiana County Municipal Court was dedicated in August 2005, Judge Mark Frost recalled the leaky roof at one of the old courts.

Now the county commissioners may take legal action because the roof at the new court leaks.

The commissioners Wednesday hired the law firm of Bricker & Eckler of Columbus to look into the matter.

Commissioner Jim Hoppel said the general contractor on the project had hired another firm to fix the roof that began leaking shortly after the new building opened.

Hoppel said the law firm would try to determine who is responsible.

The $3.7 million building was constructed at 38832 Saltwell Road, just north of the village. The construction cost is to be paid with court fees.

To deal with the leaks, the commissioners had decided to install a device that would help melt snow on the roof at a cost of about $50,000. The commissioners then decided not to install the device until they got more information about the problem.