Commission agrees to retain CCC/Clydell buildings; will consider $10,000 repair support

The Harrison County Commission debated the future of the historic CCC (Clydell) buildings and voted in favor of retaining county ownership rather than selling to developers.

Keith Marple, who identified himself as a state delegate and visitor to the site, urged commissioners not to sell or demolish the buildings and said he intended to pursue available state repair funds. One commissioner moved to transfer the property to a local board and allocate $10,000 to help with immediate repairs, contingent on approval by the county Board of Education. Another commissioner moved instead to retain county ownership and, if appropriate, lease the facility to a local organization for $1 per year while committing to maintenance and working with state and federal funding sources.

The motion to retain the building carried in the meeting’s voice vote. Commissioners discussed liability concerns if the property is used by outside organizations and said any transfer or lease would require Board of Education sign-off where applicable.

Separately, commissioners agreed to place a special funding request on next week’s agenda asking for $10,000 to start repairs on the CCC building roof and related needs; staff said the organization should complete a formal special funding request form.

The commission did not finalize a long-term restoration plan in the meeting, but the retention vote and the direction to consider a short-term $10,000 allocation reflect a preference for preserving the site while pursuing restoration funding.