Commissioners approve three‑year $1 lease of old jail to Iredell Arts Council
Summary
The board approved by consent a three‑year lease of the former jail at 203 South Meeting Street to the Iredell Arts Council on a $1 annual lease; the county will continue to cover utilities and maintenance while the council plans to pursue fundraising for renovations.
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved by consent a three‑year lease of the former jail at 203 South Meeting Street to the Iredell Arts Council at the board's Dec. 2 pre‑agenda session.
Miss Caitlin Sparks, presenting for finance, said the arrangement is a long‑standing rental relationship that the county wished to formalize in writing. "It is a dollar lease that we have and we do cover the utilities," Sparks said, and added the county performs maintenance on the older facility.
Sparks told commissioners the Arts Council has expressed interest in raising funds to complete renovations and upgrades; any renovation work would require separate county approval and the Arts Council would be responsible for fundraising and contractors. Staff confirmed the county would not undertake renovations as part of the lease but would continue building maintenance and utility coverage under the agreement.
Questions from commissioners included whether previously stored equipment had been retrieved; staff said identified items had been reclaimed by their owners. The lease was approved by consent with no recorded opposition.
The decision formalizes continued county support for the local arts council while preserving a role for the county in approving any future renovations.
