County Manager Tony Brown presented the board with four options:

• Making the revitalization a total county project

• Having an internal committee

• Creating a fully-functioning board appointed by the county

• Coming up with a non-profit organization to sub-lease the venue from the county

“Starting out, let's go with number two,” Commissioner Rives Manning said. “Let's start it out that way. Down the road we can get into a non-profit.”

Manning said it was critical to get the process going with another Halifax Day coming up in April.

Brown said he has already received calls about using the facility, which has been the traditional home of the outdoor drama First for Freedom. The drama tells the story of the signing of the Halifax Resolves.

A military band has inquired about using it and a Boy Scout troop has inquired about using as a community service project.

Brown said the committee, which will be much like the one overseeing Harvest Days, will help make the rehabilitation process more effective.

In another matter today the board appointed North Carolina State Highway Patrol Trooper Scott Richardson to serve on the Halifax Community College Board of Trustees, replacing current board member Bernella DeLaMora, who currently serves as chair.

Manning cited what he called DeLaMora's poor attendance rate.

Leaders of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe backed DeLaMora, but by a 4-2 vote went with Richardson, who is also a member of the tribe.

Board members Marcelle Smith and Carolyn Johnson voted against Manning's motion.