Commission Leases Old Winfield School Building

Huntsville, TN (2011-03-21) While the details of a lease agreement have yet to be hammered out, the Scott County Commission has tentatively agreed to lease the old Winfield School Building to a religious group for the purpose of creating a Mission Center. In addition, the commission has appointed a committee for the purpose of negotiating the final terms.

Per resolution Monday night, the County will lease the old Winfield School property to the New River/McCreary County Baptist Association, a group of 20 Baptist churches in Scott and McCreary Counties, for the purpose of renovating the building and opening the Appalachian Mission Center. The goal of the project is to provide space for several charitable projects, including a food bank and clothing ministry, as well as a place to house various work groups that come to Scott County to perform services for needy individuals.

While many issues remain to be resolved on the lease, county Attorney John Beaty asked the Commission to agree to tentatively enter into a lease with the Association, while the Committee met with officials to finalize the details. That Committee will be comprised of Fifth District Commissioners Harold Chambers and Paul C. Strunk, along with Building and Grounds Committee Chairman Sam Lyles, and Commissioners Blue Day and Kenny Morrow.

While most agreed with the idea, at least one Commissioner disagreed with the proposed lease payment on the facility. “One dollar per year isn’t doing anything to put money back into the taxpayer’s coffers,” Commissioner Ron Blevins declared. County Attorney John Beaty acknowledged the proposed lease payment might appear low; however, the association would be tasked with renovating the building and would be relieving the county of continuing maintenance and utility costs associated with the dilapidated structure.

Blevins also suggested the County sell the building to the association.

The Committee was charged with negotiating the final contract, which must be ratified by the full Commission for final approval.