MARTINSVILLE, Va. (rbs news now) — Part of Martinsville City Hall has been shut down after dangerously high temperatures in the basement office space forced officials to suspend operations, according to Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Patrick A. Flinn.

The affected area includes the office of Commonwealth’s Attorney Andy Hall, the Juvenile and Domestic Relations (JDR) Court Judge’s office, and a back room containing equipment. 

Flinn reported that temperatures reached over 81°F inside Hall’s office on Tuesday, and by Wednesday morning, readings had already climbed to 79°F and were rising.

“It is hotter in other parts of the basement including JDR,” Flinn noted. He confirmed that the office was being shut down due to the heat, adding that Hall specifically requested to be quoted as saying, “I’m done.”

In addition to the heat, photos shared by Flinn show an ongoing flooding problem in the basement. 

The images depict standing water in multiple rooms, including one photo showing equipment in water. 

A video clip shows a shoe stomping on the drenched carpet with water visibly splashing up.

Martinsville’s Director of Public Works Greg Maggard confirmed that a small bleeder valve on an air conditioning unit had become stuck open, allowing several gallons of water to seep into the Commonwealth’s Attorney and JDR offices.

Affected areas included a 3×5’ section of the JDR Judge’s office and a 1-foot diameter area in the Commonwealth’s office.

“Both areas were vacuumed, and fans were placed to dry the areas,” Maggard added.

Regarding repairs, Maggard said that work on the affected areas began immediately and was completed.

While the basement offices are closed, Maggard noted that the leaking A/C unit and wet areas would be dried by morning, and operations are expected to resume.

“Other offices located on the same floor continued normal operations without disruption,” said Martinsville Chief of Police Rob Fincher, who is filling in for Martinsville City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides while she is on leave.

The Martinsville City Hall basement, which houses several offices and equipment, has long struggled with aging infrastructure. 

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