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Power washer malfunction at highway building costs thousands in cleanup

A power washer malfunction in one of the town’s highway buildings about a month ago left a very large clean-up job.

Vincent Orlando, Southold Town Highway Superintendent, said that the power washer basically melted, spreading black soot all over the building. 

Nothing was physically damaged except for the power washer. Most of the cleaning that had to be done was on the walls, ceilings and floors. According to Director of Public Works Jeff Standish, the cost was about $136,000. Insurance paid a little over $131,000, but the town must pay a $5,000 deductible.

An unexpected cost of $13,900 was imposed on the town to completely clean the contents of the building because the insurance policy does not include “contents,” according to Mr. Standish.

The town board said that they must decide where the money to cover the costs will come from. Councilman Bill Ruland asked to defer any further comments until the town attorney has the chance to look more into the matter.

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Photo caption: The Southold Town Board met with members of the Department of Public Works at its Tuesday work session. (Rachel Siford photo)