Commissioners approve second $25,000 room‑tax payment for George Washington sculpture project

Washington County commissioners voted 4‑0 to fulfill a previously committed second installment of $25,000 in hotel/motel (room) tax funds to support the George Washington sculpture project, a community‑led effort to place a statue honoring the county’s namesake near the courthouse.

Tom Ryford and committee members presented a two‑foot maquette (miniature model) of the planned sculpture and described the enlargement and foundry process. Local sculptor Toby Mendez said the maquette was created from Mount Vernon reference material and will be scanned and enlarged to a seven‑foot scale before mold‑making and lost‑wax bronze casting. “You see here today the the 2 foot scale maquette, which shows all of the detail that the final sculpture of General Washington would have,” Mendez said.

Committee members said the Washington County Community Foundation will act as fiscal agent to receive and manage donations, avoiding the expense of forming a nonprofit. The county had committed $25,000 in the prior fiscal year from room‑tax monies; the board’s action provided the second $25,000 payment to advance enlargement and mold‑making work.

Why it matters: the project is timed ahead of bicentennial celebrations the committee referenced and organizers said the statue will be a long‑term commemorative installation. Presenters also asked commissioners to consider supporting the project during the upcoming state legislative session for possible bond‑bill funding.

Votes and next steps: Commissioner Klein moved to fulfill the second $25,000 commitment and Commissioner Wagner seconded; the motion carried 4‑0. Committee members requested a photo with commissioners and said they will proceed with the enlargement studio work following this payment.

Ending: With the funding commitment in place, organizers said they will enlarge the maquette, complete mold work, and move toward foundry casting.