While construction of the new Butler County Prison is far from smooth sailing, one nagging issue plaguing the project — uneven floors — will be resolved.

The county commissioners Wednesday approved a $229,546 contract with general contractor Rycon Construction to correct the problem.

Rycon's subcontractor, Stonhard of Maple Shade, N.J., will be paid more than $377,000 to finish the job begun by Advanced Flooring of Pittsburgh.

The previous subcontractor worked under former general contractor A.G. Cullen Construction of Pittsburgh, which walked off the job in December citing a payment dispute with the county.

County solicitor Julie Graham said Cullen's bonding company, Travelers Casualty & Surety, will cover the cost fix the floors.

County prison officials were concerned about the South Washington Street building's uneven floors interfering with inmate cell doors.

As one lingering problem with the $40 million construction project is resolved, others remain.

County officials continue to negotiate with three prime contractors who refuse to return to the job site.

Two Pittsburgh firms, Clista Electric and Wayne Crouse, initially stated they needed $1 million each to cover the costs incurred on the delayed project, which was slated to be done in October 2007 and is now set to be done in April 2009.

Clista is a prime contractor for security wiring and a subcontractor for general electrical work while Crouse is the heating, ventilation and air conditioning contractor.

A third prime contractor, Enders Plumbing, which is doing fire safety work in the building, subsequently joined the other two companies in holding out for more money.

The new prison's general plumbing work is covered under the general contractor.

The county is negotiating for the three contractors to return for sums significantly lower than $1 million.

While trying to lure contractors back to work, the county also must deal with three pending lawsuits in which it is named as a defendant.