ESCANABA - A review of the front entrance of the Delta County Jail recently conducted by Roy Ness Contracting has revealed significant settling of the building has occurred. Repairs will have to be made, the Delta County Board of Commissioners learned Tuesday.

In a written report offered to the commissioners by Dennis Ness, president of Roy Ness Contracting, the review of the building also indicated the settling impacted the exterior columns.

"This has, in turn, caused some of the roof to settle and begin to pull away from the main building causing additional damage to the brickwork around the canopy and at the supporting walls," wrote Ness.

While the roof is not expected to collapse within the next few weeks, corrective action to prevent further deterioration and greater risk of collapse were stressed.

In a written assessment, Ness stated it appeared the pre-cast concrete roof deck may have moved as much as 1-2 inches and was sliding off its support at the main building wall.

"If this movement continues there is a possibility the porch roof could collapse," noted Ness.

"To determine the full extent of the movement and determine how much bearing remains it will be necessary to remove a portion of the soffit to expose the roof deck and allow for more accurate measurement."

It was determined the foundations which had been sinking are at approximately the same level as the basement foundations - 12-13 inches below floor level. Ness said, at this depth, ground water can become an issue and can make repairs more difficult.

"One solution which would not require deep excavation might be to install some mini-pilings alongside of the concrete foundation and pin them back to the original foundation wall to supply additional support and halt the settling process," wrote Ness.

Another option presented was to assume the settlement process has concluded, or at least was slowing down on its own, and just make the necessary repairs to the structure which supports the roof.

Ness said regardless of which option is selected for the foundations, the remaining system of support columns, beams, and bearing walls should be repaired.

"This will require removal of damaged brick, and shims or grout to raise the steel supports back up to the proper elevation," wrote Ness.

Delta County Commissioner Les Ruohomaki said he was glad to have been made more aware of the issue surrounding the jail.

"This will require serious action, as the jail is sinking into the Bay. If we don't act now to take steps to prevent additional deterioration, we will pay even more at a later date," said Ruohomaki.

The action being taken by the county board will follow a review of the facility scheduled for Monday. A determination of what action to take will be offered for consideration and action at the next meeting of the county board.