Keeping Carter’s Home Neat Costs U. S. A Tidy Sum

The tennis court at former President Jimmy Carter‘s private home is swept twice a day, his pool is cleaned daily and his grass cut, his flower beds weeded and his windows washed on a regular basis - all at taxpayers’ expense.

Under an arrangement with the National Park Service, taxpayers are responsible for the exterior of Mr. Carter‘s home in Plains, Ga. - to the tune of $67,841 last year alone. In exchange, the government obtains the right to add the home to the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site when he and his wife pass away.

Other presidents have had similar life estate agreements calling for their properties to be turned over after their deaths, but to have taxpayers footing the bill for upkeep and maintenance of the Carters’ property appears to be unique, and it’s drawing fire at a time of tight federal budgets.

“The sad part is, 67 grand is simply a rounding error. Most people around here wouldn’t think it’s worth the effort, but it’s symbolic,” said Rep. Rob Bishop, Utah Republican and chairman of the subcommittee that oversees parks.

Mr. Carter‘s spokeswoman, Deanna Congileo, said the former president is open to some changes in the arrangement but that it’s up to the Park Service to make those decisions.

“President Carter would be glad to reduce the frequency of routine maintenance at the discretion of the Park Service,” Ms. Congileo said.

Park Service officials say they are taking such close care of Mr. Carter‘s home because that is what the agreement requires, and to ensure that the property will be in good shape when it is eventually added to the Carter National Historic Site, which now covers the president’s boyhood farm and the school he and wife Rosalynn attended.

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