Pact will allow veterans' groups to stay in Memorial Hall

 LIMA - The worry and concern that plagued area veterans' groups that maintain offices in Memorial Hall are now things of the past - at least for now.

 Allen County commissioners on Wednesday approved an agreement that settles previous "miscommunication" problems that left veterans' groups under the impression they were about to get the boot.

"It sets the tone for some positive movement ahead," said Cindy Wood, director of the Veterans Memorial Civic Center. "Really what was nice, there was some conflict initially but we worked through it. This is evidence that through partnership we can succeed."

Under the terms of the newly approved memorandum of understanding, commissioners will continue to be responsible for payment of utilities and general maintenance. The Civic Center board will continue to operate the facility and serve as a community point of contact.

"I think they needed this memorandum of understanding to clarify where they come from, where we come from such that the best interest of the public would be served," Commissioner Sam Bassitt said. "I think sometimes it's an ill wind that bears no good. I think this is a way of clarifying the situation and moving things forward."

In February, representatives of veterans' groups approached county commissioners as rumors circulated that the county's budget crisis would force the groups out of the 100-year-old building.

Wood said the agreement passed Wednesday is for one year with an option to renew on an annual basis.

"I think we need to recognize the veterans' groups and the services they provide, the community education they provide. I think there are lots of options on the table about what's the best solution in the long run," Wood said. "We have to look at Memorial Hall, it requires a lot of dollars invested to get it to the point it needs to be.

"It's kind of on an existing pattern. For the long run, it's not the most healthy situation but for the short-term it means we're all committed to researching and seeing what the future might hold for them."

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