Carter County commissioners approve purchase of Masonic Lodge building for archives in 14–6 vote

The Carter County Board of Commissioners voted 14–6 on Feb. 20 to authorize purchase of the Masonic Lodge building at a cost not to exceed $510,000, using the county’s Archive Reserve Funds.

The motion, made by Commissioner Robert Acuff and seconded by Commissioner Julie Guinn, passed after public comments urging preservation of county records and archival space. Joe Pinza of the Carter County Library told the commission the Masonic Lodge’s proximity to the courthouse and downtown made it a "great addition to the county." Charles Von Cannon said of the archives, "It is the history of the county."

Opponents raised concerns about using reserve funds and the price. Commissioners voting against the purchase were Avery Wynn, Steve Burrough, Angie Odom, Danny Deal, Jerry Proffitt and Jason Clawson. Supporters said securing a nearby facility would protect historical records and centralize access.

Commissioner Acuff framed the vote as a preservation step; Commissioner Guinn seconded the motion. There was no recorded amendment to the dollar amount on the floor. The motion carried 14 yes to 6 no by electronic roll call.

The decision follows comments during the public-comment period in which library and community members urged the county to protect archival material and historical photographs. The meeting earlier approved a separate modest preservation budget to frame historical photographs and established procedures for the Records Committee to submit purchase orders with Financial Management Committee approval.

Next steps recorded in the meeting record include the county’s administrative processes for purchase and the Records Committee’s existing preservation line item; the transcript did not specify a closing date for acquisition or a timeline for renovation.