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Board postpones decision on paving Crossroads Church parking; members debate who should pay
Summary
The board debated whether Washington County should fund paving of Crossroads Christian Church parking (used for school events), discussed legal limits on spending on private property and possible MOU terms, and voted to postpone procurement while staff contacts the church for cost-sharing options.
The Washington County Board of Education debated whether to solicit bids to pave a gravel parking area at Crossroads Christian Church that the school district and community use heavily for events. After questions about ownership, legality and who should pay, the board voted to postpone action so staff can talk with church representatives about cost-sharing and an MOU.
Superintendent Boyd explained that public works had advised the county could not simply fund improvements to private property but could negotiate continued access through an MOU. Estimates discussed in the meeting ranged from roughly $67,000 (several quotes) to much higher figures; the draft MOU referenced a placeholder $250,000 initial payment with a $1-per-year lease thereafter, which staff said would be updated to reflect negotiated amounts.
Board members split on whether the district should bear the full cost. One member said, “I don’t think we should be paying the whole entire thing,” arguing the church benefits from use of the property; others said paving would secure parking for events (graduations, sports) and that an MOU could assign responsibility or fees to cover costs. An amendment to postpone action until staff talks to the church passed (vote recorded as 5 yeses to postpone; subsequent status: item deferred).
The board directed staff to solicit formal bids if needed but to first seek the church’s willingness to contribute and to draft MOU language reflecting funding and access arrangements. No procurement or contract was awarded at the meeting.
Next steps: staff will contact Crossroads Christian Church, refine project cost estimates, and return to the board with recommended funding sources and draft MOU language at a future meeting.
