The Star - News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area

Coulee Dam's town hall will end up with an almost entirely newly refurbished police department, community ballroom, kitchen and more after repairs to damage done last winter from a variety of causes.

The work will likely cost more than $100,000, with the bill paid, for the most part, through insurance, says Mayor Greg Wilder.

Last December a hot water heater in the kitchen off the facility's ballroom blew its top, flooding water went undetected for some period of time while no one was in the town hall until they found ankle-deep water in the kitchen.

Then ice, built up in the rain gutters, dammed up melt water, which found a downward route inside the walls after repeated freezing and thawing. The resulting damage to walls, floors and windows added up quickly.

The police department will have all-new flooring, and is being arranged with a new conference room and refurbished offices as well as evidence and holding rooms.

Wilder said the town will likely spend an extra $5,000 to $8,000 to do more than what insurance would pay for while the contractors are already on site.

New tile has been laid in the kitchen and ballroom, and old 1970s-era paneling is being replaced in the ballroom with a modern look.

In addition, Wilder hopes to get a Bonneville Power Administration grant to help replace the lighting in that room with dimmable LED lighting, and also brighten up the ceiling with paint.

Wilder said he'd like to hold an open house for the community when the work is done.