§7-1-3k. Authority to lease, rent or permit the use of county property.

The county commission of each county is authorized to lease, rent or to permit the use of county-owned buildings, lands and other properties or any portion thereof by nonprofit organizations. Authorized uses pursuant to this section shall include the granting of meeting places, service outlets and operational headquarters for organizations established within the county.

Each county commission is authorized to charge and collect fees for uses of county properties pursuant to this section. In addition, each county commission is empowered to promulgate rules and regulations in order to carry out the provisions of this section within the county.

The allocation of county properties for use by organizations shall be controlled either by the county commission or, optionally, by a panel which may be appointed by the commission for this purpose. Any panel appointed pursuant to this section shall consist of not less than three nor more that five members who shall serve at the will and pleasure of the commission. All decisions of a panel, if one is appointed, shall be subject to review by the county commission.

If a panel is appointed pursuant to this section, each member shall be a resident of the county in which the panel sits. A majority of the panel shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and all matters shall be decided by the majority vote of those members present at a meeting. Each panel is authorized to select from among its members one secretary, who shall keep a record of all proceedings, and one chairman. A member may be entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable and necessary expenses actually incurred in the performance of his duties.