A divided Selma Town Council has approved the purchase of a building owned by the Selma American Legion in hopes of turning it into a Civic Center.
In a 4-to-1 vote, the board agreed to spend $60,000 for the 5,000 square foot building at 300 North Webb Street. The Legion will be paid $20,000 per year, plus interest, for three years.
The purchase still needs to win approval from the NC Local Government Commission.
Officials envision refurbishing the 79 year-old building into a civic center with modern amenities, while maintaining many of the historic features of the property. The Center would be rented out to businesses and individuals for local events, conferences, meetings, weddings, family reunions, entertainment and more.
Prior to the vote, Eric Jackson who represented the Selma Historical Museum, said he was in favor of the purchase and hoped the Town would partner with someone who has experience with property management and the entertainment industry to help operate the facility.
The Town will now seek an estimated $300,000 in grants needed to refurbish the property. If the town cannot find the funds for the renovations, they could eventually sale the property. But town leaders are optimistic money can be secured and the building renovated in the next few years. Once opened they hope to compete with locations like the Clayton Center and The Farm near Micro for venues.
Councilman Tommy Holmes voted against the purchased. In November, Holmes said he was concerned about Selma’s financial issues and believed it was a waste of taxpayers’ money.
