“The rates have been the same for a long time now, so I thought I’d open the floor to discuss whether or not we should make adjustments to what we’re charging to rent our buildings.” said Mayor Chris Peck.
Peck outlined the current rental fees.
“The current rate is $75, no matter whether they’re using the Depot, the garden or the auditorium,” he said. “It seems like there should be some variance between prices, especially when comparing the use of the auditorium to the Depot.”
Ellyn Trinrud voiced support for changes.
“The auditorium is such a nice facility, and the cost of using it could definitely be higher,” said Trinrud. “It seats 306 people, and can be used for large events like weddings and pageants. Normally places like that rent for a least a couple hundred dollars.”
Carl Trinrud listed reasons for including a deposit fee as well.
“There should also be a security deposit, especially for the use of the auditorium,” he said. “It could be included in the overall price, with the deposit amount returned as long as good care is taken and the facility is left undamaged.”
Peck questioned what the new rates would be.
Mrs. Trinrud offered what she believed to be a reasonable price.
“I believe a fair price would be $150 to rent the building with an additional $150 security deposit paid up front,” she said. “Then those using the facility would have more of an incentive to take care of the building so they can get their deposit back.”
Peck asked if any additional changes were in need.
“How do we feel about the rates for the Depot and garden area?” asked Peck.
Mrs. Trinrud offered the council with additional rates to consider.
“We could keep the price at $75 for the Depot, and possibly lower the rate to $50 for the garden,” she said.
City advisor John Waggoner voiced concern about the amount of work required to prepare for each rental.
“When the garden area is rented out we have to cut the grass, clear the area of sticks and leaves and make sure it’s ready for use,” said Waggoner. “So I think the garden should remain at $75 as well.”
Mrs. Trinrud offered some final thoughts on the matter.
“If we use these fees to maintain proper upkeep of our buildings, I believe people will want to use them more,” she said. “If you make something nice for people it elevates the way they treat it, and, just the same, if we don’t take care of our buildings, then neither will anyone else.”
INTERESTED IN AN OLD HOUSE?
In other matters, the council is seeking someone to take down and dispose of the old house that was recently donated to the city, and anyone interested must be insured.
The city released the following statement:
“The City of Colbert is offering an old house for anyone who is interested in tearing it down for the lumber. Must be moved and cleared off the property. Call Mayor Chris Peck at 706-788-3416, John Waggoner at 706-202-2084 or city all at 706-788-2311 for more information.”
OTHER BUSINESS
In other business, the council discussed taking bids to redo the siding of the Depot. The city will no longer keep documents on file that are more than 10 years old, unless it’s pertinent information such as maps, deeds, historical records, etc. The council discussed ideas for naming the property which, up to this point, has just been referred to as, “The Old School.” The city is looking into renovating the BBQ pit. The restrooms being built in the old school are coming along, but will not be completed in time for the Canna Pageant as originally planned.
