Sumner County to move Latimer (Brown) House remediation estimate to budget after public pleas to preserve home

Sumner County commissioners on Monday voted to send a contractor's exploratory remediation estimate for the historic Latimer (also called the Brown) House to the county budget office so appropriation can be considered and initial remediation work can begin.

The vote followed public comments from Latimer family members and neighbors urging the county to preserve the house the late William and Martha Brown once owned. "He left a tremendous gift. We need to honor that gift," said Jim Flatman during the meeting's public comment period, identifying family support for preservation.

County Finance/Capital Projects director Scott Shamrock told the committee he had received an "official quote" for exploratory work that would remove carpet, interior non-original wall paneling and an HVAC unit on the first floor to allow a more complete assessment. Century Renovations provided an estimate to perform that initial remediation and assessment, and the committee voted to forward that estimate to the budget office for appropriation. Commissioner Klein moved the item and Commissioner Jones seconded; the motion carried on a voice vote.

Mayor report and funding status: County Mayor reported that on March 3 he gained access to the trustees' account at Vanguard and expected the county to receive a $500,000 payment plus interest; he said the transfer would be made by check to the county and handed to county staff. The mayor and staff said the Vanguard funds are intended to cover restoration of the house according to the donor's wishes.

Why it matters: Family members said the house has historical significance to the Latimer family and the local community and pressed the county to move from discussion to action. Commissioner comments at the meeting emphasized that the exploratory removal work is required to understand the building's condition and to produce accurate cost estimates for full renovation options.

What the county authorized: The committee approved forwarding Century Renovations' exploratory remediation estimate (listed in the meeting packet) to the budget office so funds can be appropriated and the contractor can begin the limited removal and assessment work. Scott Shamrock said the remediation step is necessary to produce reliable construction bids and a full scope of options (repair to original fabric, partial restoration, or other adaptive uses).

Public requests and next steps: Several public speakers who identified themselves as Latimer family descendants and neighbors asked the county to preserve the house and to involve family members in planning. Commissioners directed staff to move the appropriation request to budget process; once funds are appropriated staff will proceed with the contractor's remediation work and return with cost estimates and options for further action.

Sources: Public commenters Jim Flatman, Lee Monifer, Thomas (Tommy) Latimer and neighbor Mike McLeod spoke during the public comment period. Scott Shamrock presented the capital projects update and the mayor reported the Vanguard trustees' account status.