Franklin Co. Grand Jury Worried About Courthouse Roof

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR Radio, Lavonia

The Franklin County Grand Jury is asking the county to fix what they believe is problem at the Franklin County Courthouse that is only getting worse.

The Grand Jury met December 5 and in its presentments called on Franklin County to fix the ongoing problem of leaks at the courthouse.

Franklin County Grand Jury Foreperson Lisa Roberts said they inspected the courthouse’s third floor and found no less than 15 thirty-gallon tubs to catch rain water, noting that many had ramps built onto them so the water dripping from the roof could flow into the tubs.

According to Franklin County Manager Beth Thomas, the main leak in the roof was coming from some rubber roofing material that had pulled away from the roof.

Thomas said that problem has been fixed.

However, the Grand Jury believes there is a greater problem with the Franklin County Courthouse roof than that one leak, as evidenced by the 15 thirty-gallon tubs.

Thomas said the buckets are there as a preventative measure.

According to Thomas, the ongoing issue is not the metal roof on the courthouse, but a deteriorating clock tower which is letting in the rain and causing the major leakage into the third floor.

Thomas said she has been working on finding a cost-effective way to make the necessary repairs.

Thomas said that even if she finds the grant money to repair the clock tower, it would take about two years before Franklin County would actually be able to begin repairs.

Calling the problem of a leaking roof a potential health hazard, the Grand Jury noted the damage to the third floor from the leaky roof is so bad, the floor could collapse into the courtroom below, which opens Franklin County up to lawsuits if people are injured.

However, Thomas said maintenance crews check on the third floor weekly and according to her, are doing an effective job of managing the leaks until money can be found to repair the clock tower.