The Jasper City Council voted to make changes to the rules on renting the community center.

People interested in renting the Ernest Courtoy Civic Center will now have to hire a certified law enforcement officer to work security for the event. 

In Live Oak, renters of the National Guard Armory are required to do the same, said Councillor Kathy Avriett. 

City Manager Charles Williams originally wanted to place an age restriction preventing younger people from renting it, but was advised against that, he said. 

The council unanimously voted for the new rule in response to renters not taking care of the facility, its members said during a meeting. 

“It’s just a money pit,” said Councillor Avriett. 

Officers will be supplied by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. Their going rate is about $30 per hour, said Jasper Police Chief Jeffrey McGuire. 

Renters will not be able to pick a specific officer, the HCSO will decide that based on availability.