Angela Pitchford

slideshow

Bob Shiles

Staff writer

MAXTON — The Maxton Board of Commissioners on Tuesday voted to set fees for at least the next six months for renting the Freight Building on Railroad Street for meetings and social activities.

The commissioners have been trying to come up with a feasible fee schedule for some time, according to Angela Pitchford, the town’s interim manager. Pitchford said that the town wants to rent the building at fees that encourage the greatest number and variety of functions at the facility.

“We want to provide an incentive for people to use the Freight Building for such events as birthday parties and baby showers,” she said.

According to the rate schedule, the cost of renting the building is $150 for two hours, $250 for four hours and $300 for five hours. There is also a $100 refundable deposit required, as well as the purchase of a state ABC permit and $20 per hour cost for security if alcohol is served at the event.

Commissioner Victor Womack asked that the fee schedule be reviewed after six months.

“We don’t want to charge too much. We’re not trying to make money,” he said.

In other business, the board on Tuesday:

n Granted a conditional-use permit that allows Southeastern Behavioral Healthcare Service to open and operate a psychosocial rehabilitation services-day program at 109 Central St. The program is being transferred to the new site from 214 McCaskill Ave.

n Heard a report from Pitchford about the town serving as an “unofficial” stopover on Oct. 4 for more than 1,000 cyclists participating in the annual North Carolina Mountains to the Coast ride. The 450-mile ride began at Brevard College and ended at Carolina Beach.

Pitchford said that numerous local organizations and others in the community turned out to greet the bikers as they passed through the town. During their stop in Maxton, the cyclists were provided use of restroom facilities, water, juice, donuts and other amenities.

n Heard a request from former Commissioner Ray Oxendine that the board and others in the community contribute to the local library’s fund-raising drive that is now under way.

n Was updated by Police Chief Tammy Deese about the town’s Community Watch kickoff, to be held Oct. 27 from noon to 5 p.m. at Henderson Park.

n Was told by Deese that the town will celebrate Halloween from 5 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 31.