Carroll County needs “to go the extra mile” to save a historic building that was the birthplace of Carroll?s government.
“Our challenge would be that if we do not get those funds, we would in all likelihood sell [Cockey?s Tavern],” said Timmie Pierce, director of the Historical Society of Carroll County, on Wednesday.
The proposed budget includes $200,000 to match state funds for renovation of Cockey?s Tavern, a historic building on Main Street in downtown Westminster.
Carroll County plans to allocate more money this year than in previous years toward the Historical Society of Carroll County in its proposed fiscal 2007 budget.
The building used to house a restaurant before it was damaged in an arson in 2000.
The county also is planning to give the society $60,000 for maintenance, but the organization requested an additional $350,000 for Cockey?s Tavern?s exhibition and rental spaces.
About 10 people addressed the commissioners Tuesday at a public budget hearing to thank the county for its historical society funding and to request more financial assistance for Cockey?s Tavern.
“Help us in keeping Carroll County history alive,” said Barbara Guthrie, a society board member.
Steven Powell, the commissioners? chief of staff, said the commissioners have a lot to consider before finalizing the budget in two weeks.
“Preserving our culture and heritage is important to all three commissioners,” he said.
At a glance
» First county governing body met there in 1837 after Carroll was formed out of Frederick and Baltimore counties.
Source: Historical Society of Carroll County
