Board approves $1‑per‑square‑foot leases for three nonprofit groups at Central Wellness Center
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Summary
After public hearings, the Prince George County Board of Supervisors approved amended one‑year leases at $1 per square foot for the Women’s Club, Saint James Lodge/Eastern Star and the county food bank, with modest waivers and renewal options meant to preserve nonprofit access while prompting a countywide review of lease policy.
The Prince George County Board of Supervisors on March 31 voted to approve reduced rent terms for three nonprofit tenants at the Central Wellness Center, saying the aim is to keep community organizations housed while the county examines a consistent leasing policy.
Sarah Marsteller, president of the Women’s Club of Prince George County, told the board the club relies on volunteer labor and donated funds and requested the county align a new lease to the club’s fiscal year and ease the financial burden. The Women’s Club said it donates scholarships and supports multiple community programs and asked for April and May operational charges to be waived while shifting a lease start to June 1. Other community speakers described the group’s longstanding volunteer contributions and urged the board to be fair to civic organizations.
Board discussion focused on parity among nonprofit users and the county’s past practice of reduced rates for certain groups. Staff said the county’s current operational charge is about $3 per square foot and outlined options for using a per‑square‑foot standard across future leases. Supervisors also noted existing taxpayers fund building infrastructure such as the roof and fire system and emphasized the need for a consistent policy.
The board approved an amended lease for the Women’s Club at $1 per square foot for a 634‑square‑foot room, with the rent payable on May 31, 2027, and an agreement to waive the two months the club had requested. The motion passed by roll call (majority yes; Supervisor Philip Pugh voted no).
The board then considered similar requests from Saint James Lodge No. 128 and Helena Chapter No. 110 (Eastern Star). Lodge representatives asked for a July 1 start date to match the organizations’ fiscal years and said a sudden charge would force a dues increase. The board approved an amended lease for the lodge at $1 per square foot with payment due at the end of the lease term and granted a 15‑month term and a waiver of the first three months for that group.
Finally, the board voted to grant a one‑year lease at $1 per square foot to Prince George County Church’s Outreach (doing business as the Food Bank & Clothes Closet) for 1,379 square feet, payable on March 30, 2027, with two three‑year renewal options. Some supervisors expressed concern about locking long terms at reduced rates but said a one‑year arrangement with renewal options was an acceptable compromise.
All three agreements were tied to the board’s direction that staff and supervisors review lease policy to ensure fairness across nonprofit users. The board’s action leaves open a separate policy review that staff said will require a public‑notice process before broader changes take effect.
