There are no immediate plans for expansion and chamber CEO and President Allen Purser told commissioners he still has to discuss the matter with the chamber board.

Tourism plans to front the $5,000, 90-day option price for the land, which is on the Premier Boulevard side of the visitors center. The total purchase price, according to a copy of the option agreement contained in the agenda packet, is $275,000.

The chamber owns the visitors center and the debt service is shared between the chamber, tourism and the county, county Attorney Glynn Rollins told the board.

Commissioner Patrick Qualls asked whether building expansion was needed.

Lori Medlin, president and CEO of the bureau, said conference rooms are constantly booked and 12 people work in the building. “I think it's very forward thinking. It's a good opportunity that may pass us by.”

County Manager Tony Brown said the county is going to pursue grants to defray the cost of the land purchase as well as refinancing opportunities.

“The 90 days is for putting refinancing (and grants) together,” Medlin said.

Rollins cautioned while grants and refinancing opportunities are being worked out, “It needs to be done quickly.”

Board Chairman Vernon Bryant sought to dispel rumors the county is simply buying the land for the dog park. “Rumors are flying it's for the dog park. The whole reason we're doing this is for expansion of the building.”

The dog park is going have to be moved because the land it is currently on has been sold.

Medlin told the board of those who have used the dog park, 43 percent purchased fuel, 38 percent ate in restaurants, 2.9 percent visited local attractions and 13 percent stayed overnight.