NORWICH — During the Chenango County board meeting on November 5, supervisors unanimously voted for emergency repair of the Department of Public Works (DPW) garage roof at Rexford Street, stating it couldn't be put off any longer.

Authorization was given to the director of public works to contract with a roofing company that supplied a bid for repairs in the amount of $94,642.00.

The Chenango County Treasurer was authorized to take whatever steps necessary to make an appropriation of funds in the amount of $100,000 to ensure funds are available to install new composite material immediately.

Over many years, the roofing material EDPM, a rubber composition, slowly peeled away, allowing rainwater to saturate the roof and leak into the building.

When Preston Supervisor Zachary Meseck recently toured the buildings, he found deteriorating conditions. He brought back his findings to the board for further discussion.

The board agreed immediate action was necessary to ensure the health and safety of the employees. They also discussed time for competitive bidding could further delay the process and add additional damage, so the board selected a contractor.

Chenango County Chair Jeffrey Blanchard said they were definitely in a hurry and he believed the repairs had already started on the roof.

“I think this is a good patch for now, said Blanchard. “It's not something that's meant to go for 20 years but we did ask for a quote to at least go for five years.”

City of Norwich Supervisor Robert Jeffrey said the price of even more damage to that building weighs heavier if not repaired soon, and said, “Let's just get it done.”

The plan to move DPW to a new location is ongoing as a realtor continues searching for a new building location.