SUMNER COUNTY, Tenn. (WZTV) – There’s an update on the effort to restore a Revolutionary-era home in Sumner County.

After about seven years of back and forth, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for those who want to preserve it.

The current mayor now said that he is working to make it a reality.

William Brown’s will left $500,000 to Sumner County for a public park and the upkeep of his home.

It hasn’t been done, but finally, after two years in public office, the mayor has decided to do something about it.

The historic late 18th century home sits on Hunters Lane in Sumner County with boarded-up windows and is neglected, according to County Commissioner Jeremy Mansfield.

“We don’t know if there are rotting termites falling, falling, and I know that under the brick siding of the house is, you know, the big original wood beams and mortar, beautiful work that you could see. But there is a lot of restoration to be done.”

Sumner County Mayor John Isbell told FOX 17 News county workers removed some trees and bushes near the home and cleaned it inside and secured it outside, but the community said that’s not enough.

“I think people are a little disappointed,” said Eileen Jones, who lives near the Browns’ home.

Mansfield told FOX 17 News that the $500,000 Brown left in his will to the county to maintain his home was going to be used for a park by the county’s previous and current mayor, but they ignored using the money to restore the home.

“The priority is the home as the centerpiece,” Mansfield said.

Mayor Isbell told FOX 17 News he requested guidance for the historic preservation of the house.

According to a letter from Brown’s relatives’ attorney, the county’s former mayor and schools director were responsible for carrying out Brown’s wishes.

That did not happen, instead the attorney said the five hundred billion eight million for school technology were mixed into one account.

Mayor Isbell has now said the trust’s accountant is working to transfer the names to him and current schools director Scott Langford to finally honor Brown’s wishes.

“It’s a little disturbing that here we are more than two years later and realizing that their names weren’t actually on the financial accounts to be able to manage these accounts,” Mansfield said. “I’m glad to know they’re finally doing the right thing.”

Mansfield said once the money is given to the county commission, they will be able to apply for a historic preservation grant to restore the house and establish the park.

Get reports like this and all the news of the day in Middle Tennessee delivered to your inbox every morning with the FOX 17 daily news bulletin.