Sumner County reviews possible sale of 139 E. Winchester St.; opioid funds discussed as match

Sumner County commissioners and staff on March 13 discussed the potential sale or transfer of county-owned property at 139 East Winchester Street in Gallatin, commonly called the Children Are People building, and possible use of opioid-abatement funds as a purchase match.

The presentation from General Operations outlined several options: sell the parcel, lease it, renovate the structure to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act, demolish structures and sell land, or transfer the property to the Sumner Prevention Coalition with a contingent subdivision so Recovery Court, Inc. could use part of the site for housing for women with children. Sharon, General Operations staff, told the body that the discussion was for information only and that no formal transfer or funding decision was being requested at the meeting: "This is only for informational purposes. No action is being taken today," she said.

County staff told commissioners that a state Round 3 opioid-abatement allocation is expected for the county — $709,633.29 per a draft memorandum of agreement on file. That allocation currently is described as having roughly $100,000 withheld for a local prevention coalition and a further $150,000 in departmental requests still being worked out. County staff said Opioid Abatement Committee members have indicated they would consider providing a $100,000 match toward a transfer if the county decides to sell or convey the parcel to the…