Tyrone council approves Legacy Theater alcohol license, multiple public-works contracts and a county tax-collection fee

At its March 1 meeting the Tyrone City Council approved a package of administrative and contracting actions: a retail alcohol license for Legacy Theater, awards for several public‑works projects, approval of a county tax‑collection contract and a change to roundabout construction staging that staff said will save money and shorten construction time.

Legacy Theater alcohol license: After a public hearing, the council approved an application from Bethany Smith, owner and executive producer of the Legacy Theater, to serve beer and wine at 1175 Soya Road in a ticketed VIP lounge and lobby during events. Smith said the lounge will be limited to ticketed patrons or members. Council approved the license on a voice vote; the transcript records one member opposed but does not record a roll‑call tally by name.

Contracts and awards: Staff recommended and council approved the following awards and agreements:

- 881 Snowy/Soya Road rehabilitation (PW202404): Award to a private contractor identified in the meeting as Blue Chip Builders (the transcript also includes a reference to “Blue Shift Builders” in the project discussion). The contract was presented as not to exceed $199,935 (estimated cost $185,435 plus $14,500 contingency); funding drawn from a 2017 general‑fund allocation and staff indicated a target completion date of Aug. 1.

- 2025 stormwater structure maintenance (PW202514): Award to HD Excavation and Utilities LLC for work (grouting and infiltration repairs on 50 structures) not to exceed $76,625; staff said the work is covered by stormwater infrastructure maintenance funds.

- 2026 sidewalk repair (PW202602): Award to Limitless Concrete Inc., low bid of $48,776 (reported as $18,776 over the estimated budget); staff noted adequate public-works funds and recommended proceeding to avoid delay and additional disruption.

County tax‑collection contract: Council discussed a proposed contract with Fayette County Tax Commissioner Christy King to charge $2.50 per parcel for billing and collection of ad valorem taxes on behalf of municipalities. Staff estimated the total cost to Tyrone at approximately $8,200 annually based on roughly 3,280 parcels; staff said performing the service in-house would be more expensive. Several council members raised process concerns about the timing of the county notice; one member described the concern as about process rather than substance. The council moved and approved the $2.50 per‑parcel contract by voice vote.

Roundabout staging change: For the Palmetto/Spencer roundabout project, council approved a contractor staging suggestion to pave the roundabout and keep it operating while closing a short section of Spencer Road for about seven days to complete a tie-in. Staff said the change would avoid temporary rip-and-replace work (saving roughly $24,000) and accelerate completion by about one month; staff committed to notifying Southampton residents and the HOA about the planned short closure.

What to watch next: Staff will follow up with clearer schedules and public notices for the Shamrock Dam project and the roundabout closure; the 881 rehabilitation project and sidewalk/stormwater contracts were presented as within current budget lines. Several council members asked staff for better procurement documentation and reference checks where prior vendor performance had been an issue.

Details recorded in the meeting transcript show the votes were taken by voice; the transcript does not include itemized roll-call tallies tied to named council members for these motions.