Benson authorizes up to $100,000 to repair Town Hall roof after third-floor collapse

The Benson Board of Commissioners voted Oct. 8 to authorize Town Manager Kim Pickett to spend up to $100,000 to repair collapsed roof damage at Town Hall and to satisfy a Johnston County inspector's safety restrictions.

Pickett told the board the third-floor auditorium and conference center were fully restricted by the county after the collapse; an asbestos test returned negative and staff had received repair estimates ranging from about $30,000 to $144,000. "I would like guidance from the Board as to what direction they would like for me to proceed regarding the repairs to the Town Hall building," Pickett said.

The decision followed comments from residents and cultural‑arts advocates who urged preservation and community involvement. "Once the structural issues are addressed, the space can be revitalized," said Lindsey Hayes, co-chair of the Benson Foundation for the Arts board, urging the town to consider renovation options and grant programs for historic buildings. Loretta Byrd, president/CEO of the Benson Chamber of Commerce, suggested the town consider state Main Street resources and asked whether town-owned properties might be sold to help fund improvements.

Commissioners approved Pickett's authority to spend up to $100,000 by a 6-0 vote, with staff directed to proceed to satisfy the county's mitigation timeline. The board did not adopt a longer-term plan for the theater at the meeting; staff will return with further details and cost estimates as the process continues.

The action was taken as a compliance and safety step to reopen restricted areas as allowed by the county inspector; further decisions about renovation versus replacement, grant pursuit, or community engagement were left for future meetings.