At a Columbia County Council meeting, members discussed Main Street Alliance fundraising efforts to complete restoration work on the downtown clock tower and agreed to continue outreach and awareness efforts but took no formal action.

The discussion focused on fundraising and partnership with the Main Street Alliance, which council members said would hold and manage donations for the clock tower project. "They were actually pretty excited and willing to jump in in, raising the barn efforts and wanted to partner with us. They would hold it, any donations or anything, and do it," Jamie, a Columbia County council member, said.

The council noted an existing $20,000 allocation tied to a facility grant and estimated the project still needs "300 to 500,000 more," according to Jamie. Members said the Main Street Alliance would also help with publicity and use social media to support fundraising; any formal agreement such as a memorandum of understanding would be discussed if needed.

Concerns were raised about donated funds sitting unused if the county did not complete the project. "My only concern with fundraising would be to turn into what's the juvenile housing account called again?" Dave, a Columbia County council member, asked, expressing a broader worry that money held by a nonprofit could remain unspent if the project did not move forward. Council members responded that funds would be dedicated to the project and that the county would still be responsible for permit-related installation costs and materials if it performed the work itself.

Council members also referenced other local grant activity: one speaker said Main Street and partners have previously steered grant dollars to projects, noting examples including Klondike and a program that has provided "like, a quarter million bucks" toward projects. A council member said they had received confirmation that a letter supporting the project was submitted by Senator Weber's office and by Rep. Edwards.

There was no motion or vote during the discussion. Council members instructed staff to continue outreach and follow up with Main Street Alliance about fundraising logistics and any necessary agreements. The meeting record indicates the item remains discussion-only with no policy or financial decision made at this time.

The council also discussed promotional ideas and local tourism tie-ins highlighted by Main Street participants, including references to the clock tower’s use as a backdrop in movies and seasonal tourism events. Council members said they will follow up with partners and report back at a future meeting if further action is required.