County selects architect for 1823 Exchange seed grant work; approves library contract payment

Lincoln County commissioners on July 10 selected 2KM Architects to carry out architectural design and cost estimating work tied to the county's seed grant application for the 1823 Exchange project and accepted a six-month payment from the Greater Clark Hill Regional Library.

Director McNeese, presenting for the development authority, asked the board to select 2KM Architects to complete architectural design and cost elements for a 2025 state economic and infrastructure development grant related to the 1823 Exchange project. Commissioners approved the selection by voice vote; county staff said the project is contingent on receiving state grant funding (the application seeks funds for work estimated to be more than $1 million) and that the grant outcome is still pending.

Separately, the board accepted $39,606.46 due to Lincoln County from the Greater Clark Hill Regional Library under the current contract through the end of the year; the payment reflected six months of funding and follows Columbia County's decision to withdraw from the multi-county library consortium. Staff indicated the library system will dissolve at year-end and the county will receive the six-month amount for services under the existing contract.

Both motions carried by voice vote.