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Commission approves lease/MOU to let veterans’ groups use former senior center at 119 Cole Avenue
Summary
Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing memoranda of understanding and lease agreements to permit three veterans’ organizations to use county-owned property at 119 Cole Avenue; parties requested a few administrative edits and clarification on utilities.
The Benton County Commission approved a resolution authorizing memoranda of understanding and lease agreements to allow veterans’ organizations to use the county-owned building at 119 Cole Avenue in Camden, the former senior center.
Commissioners heard from representatives of the three veterans’ organizations — the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans — who said they planned to share the facility for monthly meetings, fundraisers, administrative activities and a planned veterans’ affairs kiosk to help elder veterans access VA services. A veterans representative said having a consistent location would help with outreach and veteran-support activities; the group also said there would be no alcohol on the premises and asked for limited administrative edits to the draft MOU.
The property committee had reviewed a draft MOU and recommended moving forward; Commissioner Melton moved the resolution and Commissioner Bain seconded. Commissioners discussed utility responsibilities and whether the county should cover operating costs; veteran speakers said their operating funds would be limited and that utility support would be helpful. Several commissioners said they supported a no- or low-rent arrangement; one commissioner suggested the county pick up utilities and finalize administrative boundaries in the MOU.
The commission voted to approve the resolution and asked county staff and the property committee to combine and finalize the lease and MOU edits and return a finalized document for signature. The lease terms discussed in committee included a nominal rent (one speaker said “like a dollar a year or something”) and administrative restrictions to prevent subleasing or alcohol on site. The veterans asked the commission to proceed so they could set up the veterans center and the kiosk to assist veterans who lack internet access or transportation to the nearest VA clinic.
The resolution authorizes the mayor and property staff to finalize the memorandum and lease and to present the completed agreement for execution.
