Revitalization of Youngsville is reiterating its support for Warren County’s agreement to lease the former Youngsville Middle-High School building from the Warren County School District.

Revitalization of Youngsville’s support for the lease agreement was noted during this week’s school board meeting, but later in the meeting one of the non-profits volunteers said the county’s lease of the Youngsville Middle-High School building hadn’t been discussed during any Revitalization of Youngsville meetings. Revitalization of Youngsville officials said in a Facebook post Thursday that sending the letter to the Warren County School District Board of Education was agreed upon at its Oct. 22 meeting.

“At its October 22 meeting, the ROY Members agreed to support a letter encouraging consideration of the Youngsville High School building for potential economic reuse,” the post states. “This position aligns with ROY’s mission to strengthen Youngsville’s economy and maintain community vitality.”

The agreement is a $1 per year lease that allows the commissioners to opt out after the first year. If the agreement works out, it would be for 25 years. The commissioners will discuss the agreement at its next meeting on Nov. 17.

The county would be able to have discretion to determine which programs would be operated at the school with the only condition being the county can’t operate a school or similar education program for school-age children. The school district will pay utilities and trash removal for the first year of the lease, except for phone and internet. After the first year, the county is responsible for maintenance costs, repair costs and cleaning costs.

While the county will be responsible for those costs after the first year as well as all costs associated with improvements and alterations to the building.

School district officials are seeking approval to subdivide the parcel, according to the lease agreement. The county would be leasing Lot 2, which includes the building and associated land. If the subdivision is denied, then the county will lease the entire parcel. Part of the agreement is for the county to grant a non-exclusive license for the use of the building’s locker rooms and related areas used for athletic or extracurricular activities.

There has been a lawsuit filed that attempted to stop the school district from opening bids and proceeding with a sale of the school property. Arguments in the case are scheduled for Nov. 12. There had also been a lawsuit that attempted to stop the closure of Youngsville Middle-High School.

“Unfortunately, recent discussions and events have led to personal attacks and emotional distress for some of our volunteers,” Revitalization of Youngsville officials said. “ROY remains committed to constructive dialogue and collaboration with all who share a vision for the community’s future. We ask our neighbors to join us in showing respect, kindness, and gratitude to those who dedicate themselves to making Youngsville a better place to live.”