News : Flood insurance may cost county $25,000 per year for LEC

Workers installed the hand rails at the new LEC Friday morning.

Workers drilled holes in the new concrete on Friday, preparing to install the hand rails leading up the steps to the new Law Enforcement Center.

Across the street, inside the courthouse the Benton County Supervisors worked to get a handle on the insurance costs -- particularly flood insurance -- for the new building.

The supervisors approved the first of two government-required insurance policies during a special meeting. This policy, required by FEMA but also limited in amount by federal regulations, provides coverage of $500,000 for the building and $250,000 for contents at a cost of just under $1,000 per year.

But federal rules also require the county to carry enough flood insurance to cover the replacement cost of the building: Almost $7 million.

While officials are still waiting for exact quotes, supervisor Dave Vermedahl said he has received a "guestimate" of approximately $25,000 per year.

Construction crews have begun work on the "punch list," the 17-page list of minor repairs that must be made before the project is declared finished.

Project mananger Jerry Petermeier used the word "picky" to describe architect Todd McNall's inspection process. That, said Petermeier, is good for the county.

While no exact finish date has been set, the open house remains on the schedule for Saturday, June 11.