Damage Estimate Could Reach Over $1 Million
WARSAW — The extent of damage is still unknown, but preliminary findings show the damage to contents and the Warsaw Bus Garage, potentially could reach over $1 million. “We don’t have a ball park figure,” stated Dr. David Hoffert, superintendent for Warsaw Community Schools, but added “it will be a high number.”
Hoffert stated this morning the bus garage building, “for the most part is a complete loss.” Items, such as records, in the front office area, are being salvaged. “We are hoping to salvage and get out one special needs bus from the far bay,” stated Hoffert. Between three to five buses will be lost in the fire.
The contents of the garage included: two 66 passenger buses, one transit bus, and two special needs buses, along with tools and equipment.
According to the Kosciusko County records, the 13,320 square foot building’s replacement cost is estimated at $411,350. A new 66 passenger bus cost an estimated $100,000, while a transit and special needs bus is in the neighborhood of $125,000. The estimated value of the tools and equipment inside the garage is unknown.
Hoffert said many of the corporation’s buses were housed behind the building and not affected by the fire. Approximately 72 buses are in the fleet. The bus garage houses 50 percent of the fleet, while the remaining 50 percent are at the homes of bus drivers. Fortunately six new buses, delivered Tuesday, were not inside the building.
The school’s insurance adjuster is at the scene and efforts to replace the lost buses and equipment is in the works. “We are working on a temporary location,” said Hoffert, who said the biggest goal is “to get up and running.” He noted while there will be internal inconveniences, corporation officials are working to make as little external inconvenience as possible.
“We will have routes in service tomorrow morning,” Hoffert said. Notifications to parents, staff and the public will be released later today by corporation officials.