City finds key to meeting house problem

JOHNSONVILLE—According Johnsonville City Administrator Scott Tanner, the City is experiencing a problem with the handling of keys to the Community Meeting House on Hampton Street.

Tanner said the previous rate of renting the building for private purposes required a deposit in addition to the rental fee itself. If the building was left in good condition after being used, the deposit would be refunded. If not, the deposit went toward cleaning the building. That became dissatisfactory and the rate to use the building for private purposes was raised to a flat fee of $100. Those who used the building were asked to return the key to the town clerk the following day after use.

A problem now has arisen where some of those who rented the building did not return the key, leaving a number of keys unaccounted for.

The city plans to install new locks on all the building’s doors. While the rent will remain $100, an additional $25 deposit will be required. The deposit will be returned when the key is given back to the city.
Tanner said city officials were reluctant to make this change with the new deposit of $25 but that they can no longer continue making keys as a result of those who have failed to return keys after use of the building is complete.