Documents registered this week at the Carter County Register of Deeds reveal that the State of Tennessee has leased the former Big Lots building on State Line Road for use as offices for the Carter County Department of Human and Children’s Services as well as the Department of Safety. The department’s Driver’s License Center as well as local Tennessee Highway Patrol Offices will be moved to the location.

The Driver’s License Center is presently located at 419 W. Elk Ave. The local Department of Children’s Service is located at 206 Cherokee Park Drive.

According to the documents the state has entered a lease agreement for use of the former Big Lots building on Highway 19E for seven years plus three one-year renewal options. The lease agreement for years one through seven is for $144,000 annually for 12,000 square feet of office space. The agreement calls for the owner to construct an e-gated staff parking area to accommodate at least 25 vehicles. The office area will provide space for 22 case workers.

The Department of Safety will lease office space in the building for $50,400 a year for seven years with three one-year renewable leases.

In addition to the Driver’s License Center, the space will include adequate office space for six troopers.

The property earlier this year was purchased by D&D Properties, local developers.