Georgetown County wants to breathe new life into the old Beck Middle School gym, which has sat nearly unused behind the school district offices on Church Street for nearly a decade.

But, the Georgetown County School Board is not in total agreement on the plan to lease the building to the county for nearly  nothing.

The proposed 25-year, one-dollar-per-year lease was the topic of lively discussion by the board Tuesday night.

The lease states the building — part of the former Beck Middle School which became Georgetown Middle School in 2001 — will be used as a gym, fitness center as well as for classroom space for community programs.

Board member Benny Elliott said he cannot support a $1 year lease because the school district — unlike the county — does not have the power to increase taxes as a way to generate needed revenue.

“This should be a ten year lease for $20,000 per year in cash or $30,000 in in-kind services. They have a $350 million Capital Improvement project,” Elliott said. “If anyone else wanted that building, we wouldn’t be doing it for $1 a year.”

Elliott reminded the board the county also has a $6,000 impact fee for new construction that generates funds which the school board cannot impose.

He also stressed the district has given the county several buildings such as the old Bynum School which is now the Sheriff’s Office, the old Choppee School which is a medical facility, the former Winyah gym and the Winyah Auditorium.

“About anything they wanted, we have given them for $1 a year,” Elliott said.

Board member Teresa Bennani said she is concerned about renewing the contract because it has been passed back and forth between the district and county for months.

Superintendent Dr. Randy Dozier said the building has only been used for storage for years and will cost “in the six figures” to get in shape to be used by the public which would be paid by the county.

After a series of motions were made and failed to be approved, it was decided to form a four-person committee to meet with the county about the lease if the county is willing to continue the talks.

There was also an item on the agenda to renew the district’s lease with Waccamaw Economic Opportunity Council, Inc. for the use of a portion of Building C, located next to the Howard Adult Center.

The Head Start Program — for three and four year old children— has been in the building for five years and it’s time for the contract to be renewed.

Elliott brought up the same concerns, saying Waccamaw EOC has money they can pay the district something for the building.

Since he was concerned the motion to approve the lease may fail, Dozier asked that the item be tabled. The board agreed to that request.

Board and employee furloughs

Without discussion, the board unanimously approved a motion to suspend its pay for one month.

Currently, the board members earn $6,719 annually while Chairman Jim Dumm earns $9,406.

That equals a pay cut of $783 for Dumm and $560 for the other board members.

It was also decided the previously announced half-day furloughs for 190 day teachers and 190-205 day classified workers will take place May 29.

Principals will be furloughed June 4 and other administrators will be furloughed March 19.

By Scott Harper

sharper@gtowntimes.com