Board authorizes expanded lease for Registrar’s office at 571 Front Street

Nelson County supervisors on Oct. 8 authorized a revised lease to expand the Registrar’s office at 571 Front Street in Lovingston from the upper floor only (approximately 1,925 sq. ft.) to the entire building (approximately 3,125 sq. ft.) to secure additional storage and workspace for early voting operations and new election equipment.

Registrar Jackie Britt told the Board early voting had been heavy (more than 1,000 early voters as of the prior Monday) and that the office needed working and storage space for mail ballots and new equipment. County Administrator Candice W. McGarry presented a cost comparison: current rent and shared utilities approximate $2,108.20/month versus the proposed full-building rent of $2,800.40/month (rent $2,516 + full utilities), an estimated annual increase of $8,306.40; this would lower the per‑square‑foot cost while providing 1,200 additional square feet.

Supervisor Ernie Q. Reed moved to authorize the County Administrator to execute a new lease with Rutherford Enterprises, LLC for the entire premises at 571 Front Street; Dr. Jessica L. Ligon seconded. Supervisor Jesse N. Rutherford recused himself from the topic and was absent for the vote; the remaining supervisors approved Resolution R2024-70 unanimously (3-0 at the time of the vote).

McGarry said the lease would include termination notice language (60–90 days) and that staff had reviewed other local properties previously but found none suitable for Registrar needs. The Board did not direct immediate relocation of other county functions into the lower level; staff said further discussion would be needed if county space needs changed.

Next step: County Administrator authorized to execute lease documents and pursue occupancy as soon as practical.