OCC amenable to extending the lease

Oconee County councilmen are willing to extend the lease of the old courthouse building and property to developers who want to build a hotel and other commercial development there. But two of the councilmen say extending the lease six months should be a one-time extension only. A one year’s lease expired this week, and County Administrator Scott Moulder told the council last night that the developers are still unable to line up the financing to make their dream come true. Councilman Wayne McCall hopes developers John Powell and Jim Carswell succeed. Because if they don’t, it appears the only alternative left to the county is to demolish and clear the property. That would be a price tag that McCall fears would exceed $500 thousand. Council last night addressed the matter as discussion only. A formal vote on extending the lease is planned for the council’s March 4 meeting.