Commission approves Lincoln County courthouse annex as headquarters for new Eastern Regional Library System

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners voted to host the new Eastern Regional Library System headquarters in the county courthouse annex and approved related funding and administrative measures.

The board authorized up to $30,000 from SPLOST 7 (tier 2) for capital improvements to the courthouse annex, approved a motion allowing the newly formed Eastern Regional Library System (initially composed of Lincoln, Warren and Burke counties) to use the annex beginning Dec. 1, 2025, and voted to waive a monthly lease value of about $1,200 as an in-kind contribution while the regional library maintains its own utilities. The commission also agreed to serve as the physical/fiscal agent for the regional system.

Why it matters: County officials said placing the regional headquarters in Lincolnton will put the county in a lead administrative role for the new Eastern Region and can bring a state-funded regional director and additional services; the state librarian participated virtually in planning discussions.

Details and motions

At the meeting the board confirmed the regional library’s initial director will be Amanda Hamm (acting director at Columbia County Library), who accepted the position and will transition into the role by Jan. 1. The commission approved four motions: (1) authorize up to $30,000 SPLOST 7 tier 2 funding for courthouse annex capital improvements; (2) permit the Eastern Regional Library System to use the courthouse annex starting Dec. 1, 2025; (3) waive an in-kind monthly lease valuation of $1,200 (1,173 sq. ft. at roughly $1 per sq. ft. per month) while the regional library pays its utilities; and (4) serve as the region’s physical agent and handle fiscal passthrough of state grant dollars. All motions passed by voice vote.

Implementation and timeline

County staff and library transition leaders discussed a timeline to have the annex ready for access by Dec. 1 and to target a move by the second week of December. Directors of county information technology and public works will coordinate phone, Internet and other systems work; the county said the region will pay its operating expenses and state funds will support the region’s staffing costs. The commission directed staff to coordinate construction, technology and fiscal setup and to report progress at upcoming work sessions.