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Commissioners extend Journey Home lease for two years; rent recalculation deferred
Summary
The board voted to extend Journey Home’s lease for two years to give the veterans’ service provider time to secure an alternative site or stabilize operations; commissioners deferred setting a new per‑square‑foot rent and scheduled a two‑week follow‑up to set graduated pricing.
Commissioners approved a two‑year lease extension for Journey Home, a veterans‑serving nonprofit that leases county space, after an extended discussion about term length, rent levels and outdoor area control.
Justin Lester, representing Journey Home, said the organization had explored multiple relocation options and asked for time to secure a suitable site. Commissioners expressed support for keeping the program in Randolph County but raised concerns about the current inside/outside condition of the property and whether outdoor spaces should remain public or under Journey Home’s control. The board agreed to a two‑year extension to allow more time for relocation planning or capital improvements.
Commissioners deferred the rent decision to a follow‑up meeting in two weeks; staff (Jake Donovan) will determine the exact interior square footage (estimated under 4,000 sq ft) so commissioners can set graduated per‑square‑foot rates. Options discussed included phased increases (for example, $7→$10 or $10→$12 per square foot) to reach fair market over the extension period. The board recorded a voice vote approving the extension and set a firm two‑week timetable to return with rent recommendations and square‑footage verification.
Commissioners emphasized they wanted to balance fiscal stewardship with stability for Journey Home’s clients and asked the organization to provide more detailed financials and a relocation plan if applicable.
