NEWBERRY — The Newberry County Economic Development office may no longer be a part of the new Piedmont Technical College facility.

The plan was to put the economic development office inside of Piedmont Tech but after the Newberry County Council Finance Committee members heard that there would be a rental charge for the space they are having second thoughts.

PTC Dean Jennifer Wilbanks told the committee on Monday that there would be a fee of around $200 a month for janitorial services, utilities, etc.

She added that on other campuses the rental charges for other agencies was $12 per square foot per month.

Wilbanks said the $2.60 per square foot price was a good deal.

Newberry County Administrator Wayne Adams reminded Wilbanks that the county was paying $280,000 to renovate the parking lot at the facility that would be used by students.

She added due to the office being in the PTC building, that the college was giving up a classroom and the class had been picked up at another campus.

Newberry County Council Chair Buddy Livingston said that the rent would be $2,400 a year and that the office was currently in the newly renovated Clemson Extension building on Martin Street.

It was also suggest that the portion of the campus that belongs to the county and is being turned into county offices may one day house the economic development office.

Council member Les Hipp made the motion to keep the office where it is. The issue will go before full council at a later date for final approval.