In addition to the current renovations taking place at the Oxford Civic Center, an extension will be added to the existing facility. Oxford City Council voted Tuesday evening giving Mayor Leon Smith the authority to sign a contract with Bhate Geosciences Corporation to test the ground before construction begins. The measure is needed because several sites in the vicinity have caves and sinkholes. The contract is for $52,250 for testing and inspecting the ground on the backside of the Civic Center, where the extension will be added.

The council also voted to give Alabama Power Company an easement for the addition.

Renovations to the Civic Center, which is 36 years old, will cost $7.7 million. More rooms are needed for clubs and organizations that wish to meet there and information about other features in the new facility will be forthcoming.

“The brick on the wall will be torn down where the extension is to be added,” said Councilman Chris Spurlin. The extension will be two stories high.

During the work session prior to the council meeting, two visitors from Cider Ridge Golf Course spoke about the positive turn taking place there. Joe Zaleski and Casey Smith reported that the marketing campaign with billboards and radio and television have helped attract players and organizers who want to stage tournaments there. In fact, this year’s Sunny King Charity Classic took place at Cider Ridge, and the upcoming Circle of Champions golf tournament is scheduled there on Aug. 20.

“The customer service is good,” said councilman Steve Waits. “Recently, employees were handing out cold towels and asking players how they could be of help. That kind of customer service goes a long way.”

Other visitors to the formal meeting were representatives from the New Birth Christian Center on 3399 Gunnells Lane. The Rev. Michael Truss asked if the council would consider annexing their church and parsonage for the sake of having access to first responders. Mayor Smith and Councilman Spurlin commented that the matter had been tabled and would be considered later.

Other matters voted on and passed were as follows:

• Buford Parker was added as a member of the Calhoun County Board of Equalization.

• A resolution was passed adopting the Calhoun County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.

• Renovations to civic center will cost $7.7 million

• Circle of Champions golf tournament Aug. 20.

• Alabama Power given easement for addition to civic center