Forsyth OKs deal for civic auditorium

The county will soon have use of a much needed 14,000 square foot civic auditorium at Lanier Technical College. But some Forsyth County Commissioners wish the $1 million deal could have been permanent.

The commissioners negotiated with the school to have access to the future auditorium for the next 25 years and approved the deal Oct. 28. However, the school still needs to agree but County attorney Ken Jarrard said Lanier Tech is pleased.

"They're happy with this and ready to move," he said. "They are currently working on this on their end."

The deal allows Forsyth County use of the facility three days a month for the first 15 years, two days per month for years 16 to 20 and 12 days annually for years 21 to 25.

Not all the commissioners were completely pleased with the deal.

"When we agreed to this there was never any mention of a time limit," Commissioner Jim Harrell said. "I'm personally disappointed by that."

Harrell said he would have rather the county had no time limit.

"I have no idea what we would use this facility for three days a month," he said, "but if we had annual events, it'd be nice to have a venue for them."

Commissioner Linda Ledbetter agreed.

"We may not use it three days a year," she said. "I just wanted to have an option to be able to call and use it on the 26th year."

Chairman Charles Laughinghouse said there could always be room for negotiation in the future.

Forsyth agreed to add the $1 million to its last SPLOST referendum approved by voters in February.

Use of the facility is on a first-come, first-served basis with Forsyth able to make reservations up to two years in advance. The county does not have to use the entire facility if it only uses a portion. Walls can be pulled across the auditorium to make smaller sections.
- www.northfulton.com

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