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Caswell County approves 6-month trial $25 student membership at Coast Square
Summary
The Caswell County Board of Commissioners approved a six-month trial allowing county students to pay $25 per month for a Coast Square membership and authorized an MOU with PCC after debate about revenues and past tenant losses; the motion passed 4-2.
The Caswell County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 21, 2025, voted 4-2 to approve a $25-per-month student membership for Caswell County residents at Coast Square and to authorize a memorandum of understanding with PCC for a six-month trial period.
The measure was approved after several commissioners pressed for revenue and expense information and staff said existing personnel could manage fee collection. Commissioner Bryant urged caution, citing uncertain income and operating costs: "Even at 25, if you get 20 steers, you know, we'll have $500 a month income back. I don't know what the electricity cost, the gas cost... I don't know any of those numbers." County staff said the fee would be revenue-generating and would not require additional county staffing.
Board members debated whether to table the item to gather clearer financial reconciliation. A motion to table the item was made and later failed, after which Commissioner Smith moved to approve items 12 and 13 and Commissioner England seconded. Commissioner Miranda (speaking in favor of assessing a trial) proposed an amendment to limit the program to a six-month trial; that amendment passed. The main motion as amended — $25 per month student membership for Caswell County residents and approval of the MOU with PCC for a six-month trial — passed 4 to 2.
Supporters said the facility has value to the county and could be restored after losses of major tenants and damage from earlier incidents. County staff offered to draft a press release and contact nearby colleges to advertise the trial period. Opponents said the county lacked sufficient reconciled revenue figures to justify the change without clearer financials.
The board directed staff to implement the six-month trial, execute the MOU with PCC as discussed, and report back after the trial period with participation and revenue data for further consideration.
