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County approves no‑cost lease of Miller Building to college; college to fund site improvements
Summary
The board approved a no‑cost ($1/year) lease of the Miller Building to the local college pending trustee approval; the college will improve grounds, build a classroom and restroom, and the county committed domestic water service while exploring future public‑safety training site options.
The McDowell County Board of Commissioners voted July 13 to approve a lease that would transfer occupancy of the Miller Building (on Baldwin Avenue) to the college for a nominal annual rent, pending the college trustees' approval.
Staff said the county would retain ownership while continuing maintenance responsibilities; the college plans to use funds it has received to improve the site, build a restroom and classroom, and extend utilities. Staff told the board the county would provide domestic water service to the site and that drilling near the closed landfill is not appropriate.
The lease document has been reviewed by the county attorney and by the college; staff described the current action as "phase 1" and said a later phase could address larger public‑safety training needs if an appropriate parcel is identified. The county is exploring other publicly owned land for fire and EMS training because the old landfill poses environmental constraints.
Commissioners moved and approved the lease by voice vote. Staff will coordinate with the college and trustees about timing and will return with any required agreements or site‑improvement details.
No formal development of a public‑safety training campus was approved at this meeting; commissioners emphasized that phase 2 would require additional site work, environmental review and potential funding requests.
