Board weighs allowing local government and partner groups to use county facility after CBA request

The Columbia Business Alliance asked Columbia County to allow use of the county auditorium and community room for a small‑business appreciation event and a multi‑day startup boot camp. The Chair presented the request and said the group would like access on late‑May dates and to set up the day before for a day‑and‑a‑half rental.

Board members discussed whether the city should act as the applicant under an intergovernmental agreement, or whether the county should amend its policy to permit use by "local government entities" (examples discussed included cities, schools and special districts). One board member suggested amending the policy to limit eligibility to local government entities to offer a clear line for approvals and to avoid having to "pick and choose" outside groups.

Discussion also covered practical requirements: staffing to open and oversee the facility, janitorial fees, deposits to secure the space and accounting for damages, and whether to waive fees in some cases. Chair noted the county already has a permit process through general services and suggested a deposit and permit conditions could mitigate risk. The board agreed staff should draft language and clarify fee and permit requirements before approving any outside group use.

Members also raised a procedural concern: if the applicant is an outside nonprofit or a city employee working for the city, the county needs a clear applicant and possibly an intergovernmental agreement to formalize responsibility for liability and operations. The board did not take a formal vote; members asked staff to return with suggested policy language, fee schedules and an approach to permit or intergovernmental agreements for review.

Next steps: staff to draft policy options (limited eligibility, deposit/fee structure and permit requirements) and return to the board for decision.