Gwinnett Daily Post

WINDER -- Helen Person, chairwoman of the Barrow Preservation Society Inc., addressed Winder Mayor Chip Thompson and City Council members Tuesday, asking that the city give more consideration to the upkeep and maintenance of city buildings. Specifically, Person asked City Council members to spare the city's property known as the granite hotel.

After spending more than $400,000 stabilizing and attempting to save the old hotel since the city purchased the building in 2004, Winder will pay out another $200,000 for demolition of the same structure. The high cost of demolition is partly attributable to the engineering required to prevent damage to surrounding streets and structures.

City audit favorable

According to Chris Hollifield of Rushton and Company, Winder's 2011 audit "went very smoothly this year." The audit was performed for the fiscal year ending June 30.