The Bethel selectboard last week approved $60,000 to begin mitigation on mold that was recently discovered in the basement of the Town Office. Also approved was $12,000 to remove asbestos as part of the same process. More costs are expected to be incurred after the work is completed on the 19th-century building.

The funds will come from $166,000 available in the Cole Block Reserve Account, town officials said.

Town Manager Sharon Jackson said mold was discovered two weeks earlier behind an old boiler when town staff went downstairs to retrieve items to be used in the upcoming November election.

She said no mold problems were observed when staff members were in the basement in June.

Jackson called mitigation companies for prices, but she asked that the normal bid process be waived in order to get the work done as soon as possible.

She said asbestos would first have to be removed or the mold removal process would cause the asbestos to blow around, potentially causing health hazards.

One company, Octagon of Windham, was the only one that could handle all parts of the process together, she said, and that would save time.

The time constraint is born out of concern that when the heating system starts up soon, the air that is moved around in the basement could cause mold spores to rise, ending up on the first floor where the Town Office is located.

Jackson said the company could start work Oct. 14. It would take 15 to 20 days to complete.

All insulation and wallboard would have to come down ahead of the mold removal process, which involves blowing dry ice and bicarbonate of soda on walls, floors and ceilings downstairs.

Replacement costs for any of those features would fall to the town.

The town’s insurance would not cover the mold removal process unless it was directly attributable to leaking pipes, Jackson said.

She said no one has gotten sick from the mold, although a person who worked temporarily for the town and takes medication for mold allergies did notice some effects.

No guarantees

After the mitigation is completed, a professional known as a hygienist would inspect the work, Jackson said. A special dehumidifying system would then have to be installed by another vendor to prevent the mold from returning.

Selectman Sarah Southam expressed concern that the mold could still return, noting that mold spores are ever-present in the air.

The floor in the basement is a mix of concrete and dirt, and Southam said the dirt would be a continuing source of mold.

Jackson acknowledged there are no guarantees on the results.

Contamination

She also noted that metal election boxes stored downstairs will have to be professionally cleaned, and anything made of wood will have to be replaced, including election-related signs, which have been ordered.

Another issue that must be dealt with are boxes of paper town records stored in the basement, which are contaminated with mold. The records, which include invoices, warrants, payroll and other information must be kept for seven years, Jackson said.

Octagon told Jackson the documents will be placed in plastic totes and relocated for the mitigation process.

Selectmen were concerned about returning them to the basement afterward. Selectmen Frank Del Duca suggested an alternative location inside a large container be arranged to keep them off site. Jackson said they rarely have to be accessed.

The board also expressed regret that such a large amount of money would be spent on the overall project, but agreed there likely isn’t much choice.

Del Duca noted that because it is a public building, the town has an obligation to professionally fix the problem, while private homeowners would likely resort to simpler solutions.

He asked Jackson what the town’s specific legal obligation is in dealing with the situation. She said she would check with the town attorney.

Del Duca said that down the road a discussion should take place on the long-term future of the old building.

“But at the moment, we have to spend the money,” he said.