City Board approves $400K for Endeavor Convention Center parking improvements

The Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a regular meeting on February 24, 2025, where significant discussions centered around the Endeavor Convention Center project. The meeting primarily focused on the completion of building renovations and the necessary site work to prepare for the center's grand opening scheduled for May 14.

During the meeting, officials reported that the building renovations, managed by the contractor CGM from Callwood, Georgia, are approximately 85% complete. However, the original bid for the project included site work, such as parking lots and sidewalks, which was later removed due to budget constraints. The county has since collaborated with the City of Marianna, which contributed $120,000 in grant funds for water and sewer infrastructure to support the convention center.

To finalize the site work, the board discussed a proposal to allocate up to $400,000 from the Tourist Development Council (TDC) funds. This funding would cover paving the front area of the parking lot and additional parking options on both sides of the building. The proposal aims to avoid costly change orders with CGM by directly contracting with other service providers, potentially saving the county significant expenses.

County officials emphasized the importance of completing the site work efficiently and within budget, noting that while $400,000 is the proposed maximum, a more conservative estimate of $350,000 may be more realistic based on projected revenues. The board is expected to approve the request to move forward with the site work, ensuring the convention center is ready for its upcoming opening.