February 7, 2010

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Mold problems at Richmond County's Law Enforcement Center were documented in a 2004 study, but city officials are just now working on plans to move employees out of the building.

Complaints from workers in the building have been filing in.

"A lot of people are getting sick," said Debbie Reid, who works at the center. "I feel like we should have never moved in the building it should have never been built."

In 2004, the Augusta Commission asked for a study of the problem. The report's executive summary found elevated levels of five different types of mold inside the building and said it could pose a health risk.

"What I want is without a doubt is to get those folks out of there. We do not need to be there," Sheriff Ronnie Strength told News 12 last week.

Meanwhile, crews have visited the center to test the water for other contamination.

Water has posed its own problem at the facility. It caused a ceiling to collapse right above Reid.

"It was just like a waterfall all over my head all the way down," she said.

City leaders are considering a variety of solutions that would get workers out of the building.

"We're going to move it. So that's what we're going to do," City Administrator Fred Russell told News 12.

"So you're going to get those folks out of there?" Chris Thomas asked.

"Yes," Russell replied. He said there will be a recommendation coming in the next week.