Board renews American Legion lease at Central Wellness Center; rent increase deferred one year

The Prince George County Board of Supervisors approved a lease renewal Tuesday for American Legion Post 1703 to remain in a room at the Central Wellness Center and agreed to defer a proposed rent increase for one year.

County staff said the post’s current lease began Dec. 1, 2021 and expires Nov. 30, 2025; a recent remeasurement of the room showed the prior square footage used for rent calculations was incorrect, prompting an increase to reflect the accurate size. Post representatives Verlan and Mable Ferris addressed the board and described their community service work — toy and turkey distributions, veteran claim assistance and other outreach — and asked for help with the rent and a longer lease so they could justify making improvements to the space.

Verlan Ferris asked the board to "waive it at $440 until next year," and his wife said the post would like a longer term if possible because some improvements would be costly and require a commitment to the space. The board discussed fairness across other nonprofit leases in the building and staff said any tenant improvements would require prior board approval. On motion the board approved a lease from 12/01/2025 through 11/30/2027 and deferred the increase for one year. The motion carried on a roll call vote.

Next steps: staff will provide lease documents reflecting the renewal term and will review other room leases per board direction.