Mount Vernon officials approve City Hall roof payment, say broader building repairs exceed $200M

The Board of Estimate and Contract on Dec. 27 approved a change order and final payment to Weathertight Systems Inc. for additional repairs to the City Hall roof, but officials said the work represents only part of a much larger backlog of capital repairs across municipal facilities.

During discussion the city’s project staff said the current work addressed multiple roof sections and flashing, but additional envelope repairs — including parapet work and brick pointing around windows — still require funding. The board was told that some envelope items remain unfunded even as repairs to the main roofing elements were completed. Officials estimated capital repairs across city buildings exceed $200 million and listed major projects including an estimated $13 million need for police and court building roofs and roughly $6 million for fire department projects.

Members pressed staff on funding sources and sequencing. Staff said ARPA funds are being used for the City Hall repairs and that the city has also identified state and federal funding streams — including DEC/EFC grants and a state water infrastructure program — and a $5 million revolving loan fund that can be used to smooth cash flows pending reimbursements. The board directed DPW and the Comptroller to set up separate accounting so reimbursements are tracked and do not commingle with the general fund.

Officials said engineering and condition reports are near final and will include estimated costs to support future capital planning and grant applications. The board approved the final payment on roll call with no recorded opposition.

Next steps: DPW will finalize and submit prioritized cost estimates and the Comptroller’s office will confirm account separation for grant reimbursements and report back to the board.