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Sumner County tourism director flags lease inconsistencies, building repairs at Comer House
Summary
Board members discussed inconsistencies among three lease documents for the Comer House, potential short-notice termination language in the primary lease, mounting maintenance costs and unclear insurance coverage; staff will seek county input before recommending next steps.
The Sumner County Tourism Board discussed discrepancies in three lease documents for the Comer House and rising building maintenance costs, and directed staff to consult the county before pursuing repairs or relocation.
Board members and staff said the primary lease with Rogers Group and the site sublease contain different notice and maintenance provisions, and that the building — leased in 02/2014 — shows signs of age that may require immediate attention.
The director told the board that one document she reviewed included a 60‑day notice provision but "it is 10 days on the primary lease," meaning the county or Rogers Group could end the primary lease on 10 days' notice; she said that disparity needs to be resolved before the board makes commitments on repairs or longer-term plans.
The director also identified specific maintenance and expense items the board should weigh in any feasibility work: roughly $38,000 spent on tree and landscaping work over the last two to three years, recurring lawn service, recent short-term fixes to roof leaks, and planned bids for roofing, drywall and fascia repairs. She described the original lease as stating the building was delivered "as is" and that systems were in good working order, but said "there's no way a roof and a... HVAC" remain fully serviceable 10 years later.
Insurance coverage is another open question. The director said the sublease requires insurance and that the board needs confirmation whether the county carries a rider covering the tourism office or whether the tourism board must maintain its own policy; carrying duplicate coverage could be unnecessary and costly.
No binding decisions or expenditures were approved at the meeting. The director said a feasibility committee is reviewing options and that she will contact Terry Boyd at the county to clarify lease language and insurance responsibilities ahead of a deeper briefing at a future meeting.
Board members asked for a fuller packet at the next meeting and signaled interest in reconciling the leases and confirming insurance before committing to larger repairs.
The tourism director scheduled follow-up work with county staff and the feasibility committee; no votes were taken on repairs or relocation at the meeting.
