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County to hold $10 million in escrow for school system’s central office renovation
Summary
Burke County staff described a request to transfer $10 million from the school system’s capital reserve into a county-held project ordinance to fund renovation of the former Burke County Christian Ministries building; county will hold funds in escrow and pay contractors on approved invoices rather than sending cash directly to the school board.
County staff on Monday described a proposed project ordinance that would move $10 million from the school system’s capital reserve into a county-managed escrow to fund the school central office renovation.
Manager Brian said the school system has acquired the former Burke County Christian Ministries building, used approximately $1.5 million for design and acquisition, and estimates roughly $10 million in remaining construction costs. The county will hold the funds in an escrow-like project ordinance and disburse payments to contractors on reviewed invoices rather than transferring the entire sum to the school board.
Staff told commissioners the school’s capital reserve is funded by sales tax collections built up over time and that this is a cash-on-hand project; no county general fund appropriation was proposed to fund the transfer. The county will act as the pay agent while the school system manages award and oversight of the construction contracts.
Commissioners asked whether renovating the portion of the building the school currently occupies would be necessary; staff said that space likely requires less work but will be evaluated during design and may need wall reconfiguration rather than a full overhaul.
The project ordinance will remain on the consent agenda for formal action at the regular meeting.
