Morgan Hensley

Staff Writer

The Harlan Tourist and Convention Commission met Tuesday afternoon to discuss several important issues concerning the Harlan Center. One of the issues addressed was the Key Control Policy.

Problems of keys not being returned have surfaced to the point the locks on all entry doors to the center had to be changed. Many suggestions were made in effort to fix this problem.

“We are having these issues maybe once or twice a month,” said Executive Director Brandon Pennington. “We need to talk about this policy because of upcoming events.”

The Key Control Policy would limit the distribution and handling of keys that allow access to the Harlan Center. The reason for this policy is to prevent any unauthorized access to the center that may result in damage, loss or theft.

“We should demand a deposit,” said board member Annie Fox. “It’s more of a holding thing. It’s an incentive for people to return the key.”

The key security deposit seemed too expensive for some commission members. Board member M.G. Smith had another possible solution.

“We need an employee here to control this place at all times — keep on eye on things while people are in here,” said Smith. “They will attend to the cost of their use to the building. We need to explore this angle.”

After a lengthy discussion the idea was mentioned to only allow keys to be given under special circumstances. Final approval on the matter will be discussed in the next meeting.

Also addressed at the meeting was the replacement of the center’s carpet. Pennington displayed tile choices to the other board members.

“The existing carpet is not an option anymore. There were only five patterns and a single maker. We have already decided the other two aren’t a good match. We have these three to choose from,” said Fox. “These tiles can be pulled up easily if there is a stain.”

In other business, according to the financial report, expenses are down from the previous year. Charles Guyn stated, “Financially, we are doing much, much better.” The financial report was approved.

Reach Morgan Hensley at 606-573-4510 or mhensley@heartlandpublications.com