COLUMBUS -The Polk County Board of Commissioners is pushing to have Polk County Transportation vans relocated to the former school bus garage, which the county recently purchased for $205,000.

Commissioners have discussed moving the vans out of downtown Columbus the past two meetings, on Nov. 17 and again on Dec. 5.

Then commissioner chair Michael Gage said in November there are some commissioners who would like to see the vans off Main Street in Columbus.

In November, Polk County Manager Marche Pittman said there will be additional costs for shuttling employees from the school bus garage, located on Locust Street, to the transportation department, located in the courthouse annex buildings. Pittman also said it will take a little time to work through the process.

Also in November, Polk County attorney Jana Berg said the vans could not be relocated until the county closed on the property, which had not yet been done.

During the county’s Dec. 5
meeting last week, Pittman said the county closed on the property on Friday, Dec. 2. Pittman said five vans had been transferred and the county was in discussions with the N.C. Department of Transportation (DOT) about placing the vans at the garage.

Former commissioner Keith Holbert asked if the county could get it done in a week. Pittman answered if DOT would give approval, yes.

During the Dec. 5 meeting three new commissioners, Jake Johnson, Myron Yoder and Tommy Melton were sworn into office. Gage, Holbert and commissioner Ted Owens finished their terms last week.

Holbert said by getting the vans relocated to Locust Street it would free up 28 parking spaces in town.

Pittman said he would do his best to get the vans relocated. Gage said he wanted to strongly encourage the new board of commissioners to do the same.

“Columbus residents have had those spaces occupied for years,” Gage said. “I encourage the future board to stay the course.”

Commissioners meet again on Monday, Dec. 19, where the vans will likely be discussed again.