Commission previews conveyance of four parcels to Room at the Inn and hears expansion plan

Commissioners on Jan. 29 reviewed Resolution 225-5, which would authorize conveyance of four parcels of county-owned real property (parcel IDs 146gk007, 146gk008, 146gk010 and 146gk010.01) to Room at the Inn, and would authorize the county mayor to execute documents necessary to effect the conveyance.

Commissioner Helton introduced the item and described prior efforts to identify county property suitable to support the nonprofit’s work. Taylor Hickson, representing Room at the Inn, told commissioners the organization is conducting a feasibility study and presented a preliminary plan for an expansion projected at $12 million to $14 million. Hickson said the expanded facility would triple the organization's capacity: the group currently serves a little over 100 people per year, stays at capacity and turns away roughly 60 people a month; a feasibility study started in January is expected to conclude in June and, if successful, a capital campaign would follow with a hoped-for groundbreaking in 2026.

Commissioners asked procedural and fiscal questions. Commissioner Chauncey advised Room at the Inn to pursue applicable tax-exemption paperwork when the property conveys. Commissioner Graham asked whether the conveyance would include a revisionary clause; that point was not resolved on the record. Several commissioners, including Commissioner Helton and Commissioner Sharp, voiced support for the nonprofit’s work and said they planned to vote in favor. The mayor commended the organization and noted prior commitments by a former mayor.

The commission did not vote on Resolution 225-5; the item was scheduled for formal consideration at next week’s regular meeting.