Commissioners already have budgeted $200,000 for the facility, which is part of the Recreation Arts and Parks Department’s 10-year Master Plan for the park on Mayo Lake. The county money would constitute part of the local match required for a $225,000 grant the department hopes to obtain from the N.C. Parks & Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) toward the cost of the 2,300-square-foot structure.

The county agreed back in September of 2006 to provide the matching funds in connection with the department’s application for a $200,000 PARTF grant in January of 2007. But that effort did not bear fruit.

In connection with the new grant application, County Recreation Director Mitch Pergerson has noted that the Person County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) has allocated an additional $25,000 toward the project, thereby enabling the department to apply for a larger $225,000 PARTF grant without requiring any additional matching money from the county commissioners.

Part of the county’s lodging tax revenue is specifically earmarked for Mayo Park. The lodging tax fund is administered by the TDA.

The proposed Environmental Education and Community City would be sited close to the park boat ramp on Mayo Lake. Park offices would be part of the new center as would a large open space for conducting environmental education programs as well as a variety of community uses, such as meetings, training exercises, receptions, etc. The facility would be the first at the park capable of accommodating indoor activities during bad weather and-or large community groups. According to Pergerson and Mayo Park Ranger John Hill, the center would effectively extend the use of the park three months beyond the current park season.

The board of county commissioners will consider authorization of the revised grant application during its first regular meeting of 2008 on Monday, Jan. 7, at 7 p.m. in room 215 of the Person County Office Building.

Additionally on Monday, commissioners will consider a proposal for a 15-year lease of the former Maxway store building at the corner of South Main Street and Abbitt Avenue in order to relocate the Register of Deeds and Tax Department offices from the Person County Courthouse nearby.

The building is owned by Hall Agri Business LCC, which would bear the cost of renovating the 12,800-square-foot first floor for the county’s use. Under the proposal, the county would pay annual rent at the rate of $9.50 per square foot. The county also would be responsible for utilities, taxes and insurance. The owner would be responsible for outside maintenance and HVAC and plumbing repairs in excess of $1,000.

The advance agenda for Monday’s meeting also calls for commissioners to:

• Discuss a request to designate the Person County Courthouse as a “smoke-free” facility.

• Hear from Joan Hodges concerning funding for county public schools.

• Hear presentations from Flora Peed and Betty Blalock.

• Make appointments to various board and committees.