GUNTERSVILLE — The Marshall County Courthouse in Guntersville could be sitting on a "time bomb," according to County officials, after a fire suppression pump failed inspection this week.
The Marshall County Commission added an emergency resolution to its agenda on Wednesday to address the issue. According to the County's maintenance supervisor, Brad Kilpatrick, the 36-year-old pump, which can pump 750 gallons per minute, has outlasted its estimated 20-year lifespan.
However, extensive rusting around the main seal could lead to a sudden and catastrophic rupture resulting in bodily harm or property damage and could even "collapse" the city's water lines, he said.
"It could start gushing out and flood everything there. We have our main electrical room right next door to it. Not only that, it could be a chance it pumps so strongly it could collapse the city's waterlines," Kilpatrick said.
"So we're sitting on a time bomb?" District 3 commissioner Lee Sams asked.
"Pretty much," County engineer Mike Knop responded.
Kilpatrick said the pump had to stay on, or the building would be without fire suppression.
"Basically, it's on, and we're praying," County attorney Clint Maze said.
The County Commission passed a resolution Wednesday declaring the pump replacement an emergency item, allowing them to bypass standard bidding laws. However, they will still seek up to three bids to fix the issue. Initial estimates are around $250,000.
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