Warren County government is considering the purchase of property in order to move a tenant out of its main office building.

For several years, commissioners have discussed the lack of storage at Warren County Administrative Offices. Recent consideration turned to moving Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency out of the building so that area could be used. 

The county Building and Grounds Committee met Thursday and discussed a property UCHRA says, according to County Executive Jimmy Haley, is acceptable.

“We are still moving on trying to relocate UCHRA for records space in its current location,” said Haley. “We are going to have to look at a funding mechanism to help UCHRA. They’ve had builders, architects and contractors to come in and see what the cost would be to remodel the space they’ve been looking at.” 

Discussed in a previous meeting was 509 Sparta Street, the former location of Crouch Motor Company. The property has been for sale for years with a list price of $550,000. However, that property was not specifically mentioned during this meeting.

“We do have an opportunity there for that property and they would be willing to move to that,” said Haley. “Their lease will be running out as well. I talked to the real estate agent yesterday about moving forward with that and bringing a proposal to the county. I think UCHRA is willing to do the remodel if we purchase and do a lease agreement with them. That’s cheaper than us building a brand new building for records.”

UCHRA currently pays $22,734 in rent annually.

“I think this is a no-brainer myself,” said Commissioner Robert Hennessee.

Commissioner Tommy Savage stated, “It’s a great location.”

Haley added that the location’s large parking lot would be an added benefit to UCHRA as it expands its transportation services.

The discussion was presented as information only. No vote was taken.