Published: July 08, 2008 11:53 pm            

County equipment damaged

Storm hurts Sheriff cars, air conditioners

The hail storm that struck parts of Howard County on June 26 damaged Sheriff Department vehicles and equipment at two county-owned buildings in downtown Kokomo.

The most significant damage took place at the Howard County Administration Center and Courthouse, Art Fross, supervisor of county properties, told the county commissioners Monday.

Fross said two air conditioning units were damaged by hail and six lamp post globes on the plaza at the Administration Center were broken.

Scott Reed, deputy superintendent, said the rooftop air conditioning chillers at both facilities were damaged by hail.

The hail flattened the fins on two air conditioning coils, according to Reed. Cost to replace the coils is estimated at $42,000.

Reed said six globes were broken by hail and the replacement cost is $300 each. He said several others were damaged and will have to be replaced.

The county is waiting to hear from its insurance company on the coverage for the storm damage.

Sheriff Marty Talbert said eight patrol and detective cars were damaged by hail.

“The cars are all in service,” he said. “There were no broken windows, but they were dented by the hail storm.”

Talbert said a decision has not been made on whether or not to have the damage repaired.

“Some of the vehicles had low miles,” he said. “We will have to evaluate each car individually. It will impact the trade-in value in the future.”

Randy Morris, Kokomo’s director of operations, said there was no reported damage to city owned property as a result of the storm.

        

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