Council approves five-year MOU with Hardeeville for Allendale–Hampton–Jasper library maintenance

The Jasper County Council approved Resolution R-2026-24 to renew and update a memorandum of understanding with the City of Hardeeville for maintenance of the Hardeeville branch of the Allendale–Hampton–Jasper Library on Main Street.

Presenter Eric Lisonbee told the council the city owns the building and the library staff operate the library; the city handles grounds, stormwater and exterior lighting. Under the proposed five-year agreement the county and the city each contribute $207,500 to a capital improvement fund for future upgrades. Lisonbee said the county agreed to pay $35,000 annually for insurance, utilities, janitorial services and exterior ancillary items; that amount would be adjusted each year as necessary depending on the consumer price index, and any unspent funds roll over to the next year.

Councilors asked whether money remained in the account; the presenter said he did not have the balance during the meeting but confirmed the county writes an annual check for the agreed amount. The council moved to approve R-2026-24 and the motion was seconded; the resolution passed by voice vote.

Next steps: the county will finalize the executed MOU and staff said the parties meet annually with the library system and the city to review the budget and capital fund as described in the agreement.