Seneca to re-examine its facility rental fees

Seneca’s elected leaders sought last night to arrive at a fair and equitable policy on the rental of city facilities.  In question was whether the mayor and council would be willing to waive a second time its $1,400 rental charge to the Oconee Republicans who wish to use Gignilliat Community Center for their April 10 county convention.  Scott Moulder, city administrator, announced that the city allowed the GOP free use of the facility for its precinct re-organization meeting March 27.  This time, however, the mayor and council decided there would be no rental waiver a second time, with the proviso that Moulder re-examine the rental rules with an eye on whether the standard $1,400 should be lowered.  If the council decides to drop the fee in the next six months, and the Republicans decide to rent Gignilliat April 10, the city will refund the difference.  As articulated by Councilman Honeycutt, there is the consideration of precedence; specifically, if the city waives the fee for one, it’s obligated to waive it for another.  Examples:  the Democrats or a third political party.  Councilman O’Kelley said the rental fee arrangement is something best suited for Moulder to decide in his every day capacity as administrator.