SCBOC Meeting: Future of Two Unused County Buildings Determined, Courthouse Parking Addressed

At the June 25 meeting of the Stephens County Board of Commissioners, Board members addressed the future utilization of two county-owned properties. 

First, Board members considered a Memorandum of Understanding allowing Avita Community Partners to operate out of the old Stephens County Hospital at 64 Boulevard, moving from Avita’s current location on Fernside Drive, where they have been housed in a city-owned facility. The Stephens County Health Department will remain at its current location at the corner of East Tugalo Street and Boulevard, with Avita taking over use of the remainder of the building, which has been unused for an extended period of time. 

County Manager Christian Hamilton explained the MOU to Board members.

 

Board members unanimously approved the MOU, with Board Chair Tara Simmons absent. 

WNEG News spoke with Hamilton following the meeting to hear further details on the topic.

Also, at the close of the June 25 meeting, the Board entered into an executive session, and upon reconvening the regular meeting, board members voted unanimously, with Simmons absent, to enter into a Intergovernmental Agreement with the Stephens County Development Authority to place the Tabor Building Property up for sale.

The property, located at 27 N. Pond Street, between E. Currahee and Railroad streets, was purchased by the county from the Tabor Motor Company for $350,000 in September of 2022, with plans to move the Stephens County Elections office to the site. That plan was later dismissed after review of the property in regards to space, parking, accommodations and other logistical factors indicated that the Tabor Motor building would not suffice for the purpose without significant expenditure.

Hamilton told WNEG News that the matter would now be addressed by the Development Authority board.

Hamilton said the Agreement would require approval from the Board of Commissioners before any sale of the property regarding use, price and details of the sale.

He also said that the Board has no specific expectations regarding the use of the building when sold, but added that a restaurant or hotel facility would benefit the community.

The Stephens County Development Authority Board meets today, June 26, and WNEG News will report further on this subject in the coming days.

Also at the June 26 meeting, Board members voted to adopt the FY2025 county budget. WNEG News will air additional coverage of that action during tomorrow’s news cycle.