From Staff Reports

Bradley County Commission’s Buildings and Land Committee will be asking for a vote as soon as Monday to grant a 99-year lease to the McDonald Ruritan Club for land around the old McDonald School building when the full Commission meets.

Committee members made the recommendation in a Wednesday session.

The Ruritan group holds a 50-year lease on its existing clubhouse located on the former school’s property. It also holds a 99-year lease on the school building itself. Additionally, the building holds an old gymnasium and two portable buildings.

Ruritan Club members are seeking a 99-year lease on both the school and clubhouse property. They are also asking the county for a $34,000 reimbursement for electrical work the organization has done on the school building.

Commissioner Ben Atchley, a member of the Buildings and Land Committee, made a motion offering the club a 99-year lease on the entire site. His motion did not include the requested reimbursement. Atchley, along with committee members Connie Wilson and Jim Smith, favored the recommendation.

Reportedly, the Ruritan Club wants to create a community center at the site. The property and buildings are also used by other organizations, one of which is an existing Community Center board of directors.

Bradley County Mayor Gary Davis said if Ruritan Club members accept the committee’s recommendation, provided it is passed by the full County Commission, then documents will be drawn up by the county attorney exempting the county from maintenance and liability responsibilities.

Atchley, along with Ed Elkins, represent the McDonald area on the Commission.