Sampson County commissioners unanimously approved the reallocation of more than $1.9 million Monday to move forward with the completion of a “long-needed” roofing project at Sampson Middle School, where officials say years of leaks have proven difficult to contain.
The action allows Clinton City Schools to move ahead with the second phase of the project rather than delaying the remainder of the work until a later date.
County Manager Allen Vann told commissioners the roof is approximately 25 years old and has been the source of persistent problems despite repeated attempts to repair it.
“There have been multiple conversations with Dr. (Wesley) Johnson and staff with city schools regarding the Sampson Middle School roof conditions,” Vann explained. “The current roof … has presented many issues with leaks over the years that have been practically impossible to control, and plenty of attempts and considerable funds have been expended trying to do so.”
Clinton City Schools initially planned to tackle the roof in two stages because of budget constraints. After additional discussions, however, county and school officials determined completing the entire roof while a contractor was already on site would be the more cost-effective option.
The first phase was awarded at approximately $1.25 million, with the county having allocated additional funding during the previous budget cycle for the work. Vann said that phase is approximately 60% to 65% complete.
The lowest responsible bid for the second phase came in at $1,125,177. The contractor performing the first phase also submitted the low bid for the remaining work and, because crews are already mobilized at the school, Vann said the arrangement resulted in savings of approximately $430,000 compared with higher bids.
“It did pay off in that regard,” Vann said.
Work on the second phase is expected to begin around Nov. 1.
To provide the necessary funding, commissioners were asked to approve two budget amendments: one appropriating $826,060.88 in unspent funds from the first phase and another appropriating $1,125,177 from Clinton City Schools’ capital reserve fund.
Before making the motion, District 3 Commissioner Houston “Chip” Crumpler III questioned what the second appropriation would leave in the school system’s capital reserve.
Vann estimated the balance would fall to slightly less than $60,000 after the appropriation.
“Well, I guess we can’t let the roofs leak on the children in school,” Crumpler remarked.
Chairman Allen McLamb said he had personally visited the school and viewed the ongoing work, noting the extent of the problems crews are addressing.
Vann noted that some of the problems, particularly around the school’s storm windows, have persisted for years despite repeated repair efforts.
McLamb expressed hope that the new design will provide a lasting solution, acknowledging that the project comes with a significant price tag but is intended to correct the underlying issues rather than continue a cycle of temporary repairs.
District 5 Commissioner Thaddeus Godwin also pointed to the need for the work, citing safety concerns at the school.
Crumpler ultimately made the motion to approve both budget amendments, combining the $826,060.88 in unspent Phase 1 funds with the $1,125,177 appropriation from Clinton City Schools’ capital reserve.
The motion was seconded and approved unanimously, clearing the way for the second phase of work and, officials hope, bringing an end to a roofing problem that has lingered at Sampson Middle School for years.