Although worried about next year’s budget, Polk County commissioners have unanimously agreed to a contract that will see the county pay rent for the East Polk Library starting July 1.
The deal presented by the owners of the building currently housing the library calls for the county to pay $750 a month for one year, a total of $9,000.
Had the commissioners not agreed to the terms, the library would have been forced to vacate its Ducktown location by March 6.
The contract was presented at the regular commission meeting Thursday, February 18, at the Copper Basin Community Center. It laid out terms previously asked by the building owners, but added the March 6 deadline.
Commissioners Debbie Davis and Greg Brooks voiced the most concerns over guaranteeing the money.
Davis told fellow commissioners, “I’m not into voting on this until budget time.”
Brooks was also concerned about making a guaranteed commitment before working on the budget.
Both pointed to the limited amount of revenue available.
Commissioner Mark Evans asked, and it was clarified, the library is not paying any rent currently and has not for at least ten years.
Also, the building owners have agreed to waive the rent until July 1, which is when the county’s new budget year begins.
With all commissioners present, the vote was unanimous to agree to the contract.
In other action at the meeting, commissioners agreed to a resolution naming Cleveland attorney Jimmy Logan to represent the county in the Drug Dealer Liability Act Lawsuit.
Logan explained this was a continuation of a 2017 commission decision to have him represent the county in the matter.
A recent court decision dictated that his representation be clarified.
When asked by Commissioner Dewey Esquinance about his fees, Logan confirmed any fees will come from the settlement. He also said he has reduced those fees from 33% to 25%. “My heart is here (in Polk County),” he told commissioners.
Commissioners voted unanimously for Logan’s representation.
It was also announced that the county will be filling seats on the industrial development, planning and 911 boards in March. Anyone interested in serving should contact County Executive Robby Hatcher’s office.