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GATESVILLE – Heavy rainfall over the weekend has forced the closure of the Gates County Courthouse due to water damage.

The closure may last the rest of this week as cleanup continues while a roofing contractor works to make repairs.

Gates County Manager Scott Sauer said the heaviest damage occurred in the front left area of the courthouse. That area includes the front lobby, the Clerk of Court office, and the public bathrooms.

“The courtroom was spared, there’s no damage there,” Sauer said. “Fortunately, there is no court scheduled here in Gates County this week.”

He added that the Clerk’s office was damaged by fallen ceiling tiles and water.

“Our Buildings and Grounds crew worked all night Saturday and into Sunday morning mopping up water and covering all the desks and file cabinets in the Clerk’s office,” Sauer said. “It doesn’t appear to be any damage in the vault.”

Sauer said the public and staff restrooms, located on the left side of the hall leading from the front lobby, were also damaged.

The Register of Deeds office and the Sheriff’s Office, both in the back of the building, were not damaged.

Sheriff Ray Campbell says his office, the magistrate’s office, and the Probation office are currently open and conducting business as usual. Should you have to visit any of those offices, use the side door down the sidewalk on the left-hand side of the courthouse.

Sauer said the damage was first discovered by a Sheriff’s Deputy entering the front of the courthouse Saturday night.

“That began an effort to rally everyone to help out,” Sauer stated. “Other than the Buildings and Grounds staff, Sheriff Campbell remained at the courthouse Saturday night and Sunday. With more rain in Sunday’s forecast, our Emergency Management Department brought in tarps, which volunteers from the Gatesville Fire Department and others helped to put down.”

The damage came on the heels of seven inches of rain that fell over a 48-hour period.

Sauer said a roofing contractor arrived Tuesday morning. A Risk Management adjuster was expected to arrive on Tuesday for a first site visit and inspection.

“Issues to address include down spout and condensation line intersecting connections, and combined stormwater drainage line serving the 200 building [adjacent to the courthouse] and the Courthouse with a 4-inch outfall at New Ferry Road,” Sauer noted.

He added that Cooke Construction is on site for demolition work and preparation for interior renovations, following the assessment of moisture remediation and related items.