Board votes to cover courthouse restoration costs

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Milwaukee County will pay contractors working to restore the Milwaukee County Courthouse and wait to be reimbursed.

The county’s Board of Supervisors voted Thursday to pay $1,394,000 for restoration-related costs and to carry over an additional $2,675,000 for estimated costs in the first quarter of 2014.

The restoration cost about $14.4 million through 2013, and costs to date are estimated at about $17 million. Brendan Conway, communications director for County Executive Chris Abele, said the county’s insurance company has paid 2013 invoices for about $13 million so far.

The invoices at this stage of the restoration, he said, are for smaller portions of the project and take longer to approve. The insurance company is expected to reimburse the county for the money approved Thursday.

During discussion before the vote, Supervisor Jim Schmitt said approving the money will ensure contractors will be paid for their past work and will continue to stay on the job.

An electrical fire began in the courthouse’s basement July 6. The building has been on temporary power since then as restoration efforts continue.