The Wentworth Town Council approved a revised facilities-use agreement and rules for the Wentworth Consolidated School site on Jan. 6, adopting several operational and safety provisions intended to support rentals while protecting the town’s property.

Key provisions adopted or amended

- Activities and safety: The council added prohibitions on baseball and softball practice in the gym, added a "no dunking" rule for basketball, and limited footwear to tennis shoes suitable for basketball with clean soles. Council members said these measures address wear, safety and damage to the recently renovated floors.

- Rental rates and deposit: The council set resident event-room rental at $400 for a four-hour block and reduced the nonresident four-hour rate to $500; it also established a $150 security deposit that may be forfeited if renters leave trash or cause damage.

- Kitchen and refrigeration use: The council approved a $10 fee to allow small-event room renters to use the kitchen, refrigerator and freezer; the fee will be charged per rental and recorded under the special-events/facilities-use revenue line.

- Tobacco and firearms: The council adopted an explicit "no tobacco on the premises" amendment for the indoor facility. Members discussed firearms and agreed to discourage visible carry inside the building while noting that state law governs open and concealed carry; the rules focus on restricting visible firearms for safety and comfort.

- Alcohol and security: The council retained state-ABC permitting language and added that groups of more than 30 people must employ an approved/state-certified bartender for events serving alcohol. Council members discussed but removed the prior draft language that would have required clients to hire an off-duty Rockingham County sheriff’s deputy for certain events.

Why it matters: The rules formalize how the renovated school can be used as an event space, balance revenue generation (rental rates and fees) with maintenance and safety, and clarify responsibilities for renters, including sanitation and adherence to state alcohol requirements.

Next steps: Council asked staff to finalize the paperwork, begin advertising rentals once floors and final preparations are complete, and revisit any outstanding items within about a month.