FACC’s community center agreement with Fairmont

To the editor:

The September 2024 draft agreement the FACC had drawn up by their lawyers states who owns and operates the CC. This agreement is between Fairmont City, FACC, and The FACC Holding Company, yes, there is a third entity. Fairmont city will not own the CC building, just the land, which the city leases to FACC, then FACC leases it back to Fairmont. The length of the lease is 20 years. Section 17: Early Termination of This Lease, lays out what the city must do if we desire to terminate the agreement early. It is most disturbing. It provides the FACC reimbursement for all funds they invested into the CC. This includes citizen donations and any loans they secure to bridge the gap they currently have. Fairmont must pay the FACC these funds. You can ask for the agreement from the city, with a data request. There is also a visual explanation available on Todd Smith’s Facebook page and at www.c4asf.com.

I again ask that all citizens be given a voice/vote on this large project. If we are denied a voice, then it would be better if the three council members that are determined to move this forward donate the $12.6 million, period. Donate it with a 10-year timeline, like the other large donors. Fairmont citizens would avoid an additional expensive bond. We would be free and clear of this albatross. We are at the mercy of our very few council members that are certain of the citizens’ support.

Terry Riggs

Fairmont