County Considers Funding Starbuck City Hall Renovations

DAYTON – Columbia County Commissioners are considering a request by the Starbuck Town Council to assist with renovations to Starbuck City Hall, following a letter received earlier this month requesting aid.

Candice Harrison, Starbuck’s city clerk and treasurer, wrote the letter dated June 30 to county commissioners. The letter was brief and to the point:

“This letter is to inquire if there is any funding available for our city hall renovation. At this time, we are restoring our city hall window frames, which is very much needed to keep our historical building looking as well maintained as we possibly can.”

Starbuck City Hall, a small building located at 200 Main Street, needs additional work, including a new roof, according to Commissioner Dwight Robanske.

“I was over at a meeting probably three or four years ago, and they asked if we’d help them with putting a roof on. I told them yes, but submit something in writing. We’re just now getting this letter.”

Commissioner Mike Talbott wanted to know why the county would get involved. “Why request the money of us instead of their own taxpayers?” he asked.

The answer, provided by Robanske, was simple. “Their tax base is too small,” he said. The most recent census, in 2010, counted 129 residents in Starbuck.

Commissioner Merle Jackson was in agreement with aiding the small town. “Let’s find out how much it will take and budget it for next year,” he said.

All three commissioners directed County Engineer Andrew Woods to look into the cost and see if it would be affordable under his department’s capital improvement fund.