Performing arts center in Claxton facing funding obstacle

EVANS COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer money went toward a new performing arts center in Claxton.

Four years and millions of dollars have been poured into the renovation of this building to make it a performing arts center in the middle of Claxton. Now, it is facing yet another funding obstacle.

Arts and Cultural Authority Chairman Adam Kennedy says it is 98% completed.

“It is a labor of love,” said Kennedy. “I am the chairman of this authority but there are many many many people helping to make it successful.”

One of those people was former Evans County Superintendent Marty Waters.

Waters signed off on more than $750,000 to be put into this building so it could also be utilized by the schools.

“At the request of using the restored auditorium as their performing arts theater,” said Kennedy. “We of course accepted that request.”

At Mondays Evans County Board of Education Meeting, that funding was questioned.

We reported in May that Waters left the district after an investigation was launched into the mismanagement of funds.

Board members now claim they never approved these funds for the new arts center voted on by the board there was only Waters signature.

Now, the Board says they are seeking legal guidance before paying the bill.

Leaving the future of the building uncertain but Kennedy is still determined.

“It is too big of a project, too big of an investment for our community to serve the students and citizens of our county to give them arts and cultural experiences,” said Kennedy. “So, we are 100% committed to finishing this project.”

Kennedy says the building is expected to open to the public right before Christmas.