TUSCUMBIA — City officials are fielding many requests these days now that the roundhouse at the Tuscumbia Depot is complete.

The plan is for the roundhouse to be available for event rentals, as well as a museum attraction.

With the finishing touches placed on the building, city leaders are receiving inquiries.

"We're getting a lot of people asking about renting it," depot superintendent John McWilliams said. "We're close to finalizing details."

The rental policy could be hammered out in time for Monday so it could be presented during that day's City Council meeting. A committee led by Council President Robert Mitchell is working on details, including rental costs.

"We haven't decided on the costs," Mitchell said. "We just don't have a number on that yet. Huntsville has a very similar situation. They have a roundhouse they rent out. I think they get up to $1,000 a day for a whole day, but I don't think we'd go that high."

Mitchell said the committee might go with something like $400 for a half day and $700 for a full day, but that is up to committee members.

There also could be different rates depending on the day of the week or whether it is a holiday.

Some policies proposed in committee meetings:

• Prices would include setting up tables and chairs and the pay of city workers for the event.

• Nothing can be hung on the walls.

• Candles must be in a globe and non-dripping.

• No helium or lighter-than-air balloons allowed.

• No birdseed or rice, which traditionally are tossed in wedding receptions, can be used inside the facility.

• A caterer's kitchen is available to keep food warm, but you cannot cook inside the building.

• No alcohol is allowed on the property.

• Events sponsored by the city of Tuscumbia or Board of Education are free. Tuscumbia civic clubs also can rent it at no cost.

• All rentals would be through the city's Parks and Recreation Department.

"We're still working on a policy, but that's what's been proposed at this point," Mitchell said.

The committee is reviewing other issues, such as whether to charge renters a cleaning fee, he said.

The matter of allowing alcohol was discussed during the Dec. 3 council meeting. Councilman Richard Coates said tourism officials have requested that the city make exceptions for events such as conventions if the group provides security.

Councilwoman Martha Smith said that could result in the city violating its own alcohol ordinance. She said a similar concept was tried with the Tennessee Valley Art Center and resulted in complaints.

Mayor Bill Shoemaker asked city attorney Tom Heflin to review that issue.

Bernie Delinski can be reached at 256-740-5739 or bernie.delinski@TimesDaily.com.