City finalizes U.S. Motors roof repair

A nearly $80,000 roof repair project at the old U.S. Motors building has been completed by the city.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen approved the payment of $79,100 to Norman Roofing during their meeting last Tuesday. The project cost less than it was earlier thought after the renovation plans were modified.

“The roof is sound and should hold up for a while,” Mayor James A. Young said. “The frame under the roof needed to be changed. We supplemented this by using another product. So we got a rebate after it reduced our cost.”

The city owns the building and is leasing it to La-Z-Boy as a warehouse for around $150,000 per year. 

The company has closed its manufacturing plant in Newton but Young said the company intends to continue to use the U.S. Motors building as one of its regional warehouses.

 La-Z-Boy had been using two sections of the building and recently leased the remaining section. However, the roof was in dire need of repair. As the landlord, the city is obligated to pay for it.