AHOSKIE – For rent.

Last week, the Ahoskie Town Council approved guidelines regarding the rental of the renovated Band Room, located across from the old Ahoskie High School football field.

Town Manager Tony Hammond explained to council members that rental requests for the Band Room are becoming more frequent.

“We’re getting more and more calls now that the word is out that the Band Room can be rented for private functions,” Hammond said.

With that in mind, Hammond devised a list of rental regulations that were adopted by the council.

The Band Room is available for civic, educational and cultural non-profit groups as well as community-related events and individual social events such as birthday parties, wedding receptions, etc.

The facility is available to be rented in four-hour blocks (6-10 a.m.; 10 a.m. n 2 p.m.; 2-6 p.m. and 6-10 p.m.) at a rate of $75 per block for Ahoskie residents or $150 per block for non-residents. An application must be filled out to reserve the room accompanied by a $50 deposit. Reservations, made at the Ahoskie Recreation Center, are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

During discussion of the rental policy, town council members agreed to waive the rental fee for town employees.

The Band Room cannot be rented for money-raising programs, events offering items or services for sale (or which include solicitation of clients for products or services) or for meetings of political or religious groups or individuals.

Groups and/or individuals cannot schedule regular meetings, either on a weekly or monthly basis, that could deprive other groups/individuals of use of the room. Meetings are limited to twice per week and those doing so cannot book the room more than two weeks in advance. Exceptions to this particular regulation may be granted to those renting the room for educational/training programs presented by an accredited educational institution.

Notice of cancellation must be made two business days prior to the reserved date in order to qualify for full refund and deposit.

The use of tobacco and alcohol products within the meeting room is prohibited.

After use, the meeting room and other amenities must be left in good condition.

The Town of Ahoskie is not responsible for accident, injury or lost or damaged property resulting from the use of the Band Room or any town-owned facility.

Programs sponsored or jointly sponsored by the town have priority over other uses.