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Alpena County Jail needs expensive repairs before opening

ALPENA, Mich. — The new jail being built in Alpena County has ran into an obstacle just months before opening for operation, when the original roof began to leak.

A steel roof was originally decided on by the county with the intent on saving money in construction of the building. However, the repairs for the roof will now cost the county $119,000.

“To reduce the cost of the overall jail project, it was a less expensive option that was used,” County Commissioner Marty Thompson said. “It didn’t work because the pitch of the roof is too low for the type of steel that was used.”

Although the county’s attempt to save money resulted in spending more in repairs, Alpena’s taxpayers will not feel the burden of the new roof on their wallets.

“It will be funded out of the jail millage [fund],” Thompson said. “There will be no additional burden on the county and no additional burden on the taxpayers.”

While these repairs come just a few months before Sheriff Steven Kieliszewski expects inmates to move into the jail, there will be no delay in the opening of the building. Kieliszewski still expects administration to start working in the building soon, and inmates to occupy the remaining space shortly after.

Although expensive, the county expects these repairs to actually have a financial benefit over time.

“There’s an additional layer of foam insulation going on top of the existing metal roof,” Sheriff Kieliszewski said. “That will create more energy efficiency, and I’m told that the roof will pay for itself in a number of years.”

Another difference between the original roof and the one being constructed currently is in the fine print. The original steel roof came with just a one-year warranty, while the new, insulated roof comes with a 20-year warranty.