Princeton reviews draft rental agreement and rates for new community center; final decision tabled

Princeton commissioners on Sept. 8 reviewed a draft rental agreement and proposed rates for the town's new community center, but deferred a final vote after an extended discussion about hours, deposits and pricing.

Mayor Stacy G. Johnson turned the item to P.A. King, who presented a draft based on neighboring towns and invited input. King said the draft includes a refundable $200 deposit held as a credit-card authorization and recommended trial rates drawn from other municipalities. "Monday through Thursday, 9 to 12, 2 to 5 and 7 to 10, in town $60 an hour and out of town $70 an hour," King said; he also described a weekend six-hour minimum priced at $50 per hour (a $300 package) and noted nonprofit discounts of 15% or case‑by‑case waivers.

Commissioners questioned how penalties larger than the deposit would be handled and urged caution on setting rates too high, arguing that steep weekend fees could discourage local bookings. One commissioner suggested an introductory discount for the first three to six months to build demand. King told the board deposits would cover damages beyond the refund threshold and that the town would not actively monitor events but could review security-camera footage if needed.

The board debated several scheduling options (half‑day blocks, three three‑hour weekday slots, and larger weekend blocks) and raised operational issues including custodial staffing and how to schedule cleaners around split bookings. King said he would rework the time slots, fees and rules and circulate a revised draft to commissioners by email. He noted the building is not expected to be available for rental until Jan. 2 and said staff will bring the item back next month for final action.

By the close of the discussion the board had not adopted final rates or rules; staff will circulate a revised draft incorporating the board's feedback and return it for a future vote.