Event center may lower rates for some

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November 2, 2012

Event center may lower rates for some

By Jean Cole jean@athensnews-courier.com The News Courier Fri Nov 02, 2012, 02:04 AM CDT

— Schools and non-profit organizations may soon be charged a lower rate to use the Limestone County Event Center in Athens.

Limestone County Commissioners on Monday expect to consider a request from Event Center Director Mike Nave to include a rate of $500 flat fee for schools and non-profit organizations. Currently, groups who want to rent the Event Center between Friday and Sunday are charged $200 for the first four hours and $250 thereafter, Nave said.

“That can get pretty expensive,” Nave said Thursday.

The rate proposal was introduced at the commission’s work session Wednesday and will likely be voted on at the Nov. 5 meeting.

The Event Center, at 114 W. Pryor St., is a county-owned and operated facility that rents space for banquets, reunions, wedding receptions, business seminars, employee training, arts and crafts shows and musical events. It holds up to 2,500 and is accessible to those with disabilities.

The current Monday through Thursday rental fee is $200 for the first hour and $75 for each additional hour plus a $150 security deposit; $20 per hour setup, tear down and cleanup fee; and $30 per hour for security. Full day’s use of the center is $2,200.

Friday and Saturday rates are $200 for five hours or less and $250 for five to eight hours plus a $300 security deposit, $20 per hour cleanup fee and $30 per hour security fee.