Commissioner asks Carroll County to pledge $25,000 toward Villa Rica veterans memorial

Commissioner Chance introduced veterans John Hannibach and General Charles E. Willingham and presented documents related to a proposed veterans memorial park in the city of Villa Rica. He asked the board to approve a one‑time $25,000 pledge from Carroll County to help the association purchase the principal monument.

Chance reviewed supporting materials: a historical letter of intent, a city resolution establishing the memorial park, and a 20‑year lease agreement for a site behind the mill amphitheater with a $10 annual rent and an automatic renewal option. He said Villa Rica will provide site demolition, utility infrastructure and first‑year maintenance; private donors have committed site‑preparation work and the association is in a second phase of fundraising to buy the monument.

Staff recommended using county fund balance for the one‑time pledge because the county would not bear ongoing operating costs. Legal staff and finance recommended a memorandum of agreement that would protect the county’s investment, including a timeline (proposed up to four years) for the association to raise the monument funds and a stipulation that 50% of the monument cost be paid at the time of order before the county releases funds.

Commissioners indicated support for placing the item on the consent agenda so the board can take formal action at its regular meeting. No formal vote was recorded in the work session.