Commissioners will address security issues at KGH
By Terry Murry on Thursday, December 1st, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
KENNEWICK – The Benton County Board of Commissioners Tuesday approved an emergency declaration to address security issues at the old Kennewick General Hospital at 900 South Auburn St. Since the county has taken possession of the building on Nov. 1, the property and associated buildings have been subject to numerous break-ins and vandalism.
So far, the county has experienced $12,000 in flood damage resulting from cut water pipes, 15 broken windows, five broken doors, destruction to numerous fixtures, significant clean-up costs from fire extinguishers being inappropriately discharged, and almost daily overtime costs for staff to respond to issues after hours. There is evidence that more piping is being removed from the building, which is expensive and time consuming to replace and restore.
The Benton County Board of Commissioners recognized Tuesday that every time a break-in occurs, it is a drain on city resources.
Facilities employees have been working to secure the facility and repair damage as necessary but require additional assistance. The normal contracting procedures to obtain the necessary help would likely take more than 30 days, with an estimate of approximately $3,000 to $4,000 a day in damages.
The commissioners approved the resolution to declare an emergency, which waives the competitive bidding requirements related to boarding up windows and securing doors at the old KGH building to prevent further damage.
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