Okaloosa County BOCC — April 5, 2016 — Property Purchase — agenda request

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: April 5, 2016 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: Kay Godwin SUBJECT: Property Purchase DEPARTMENT: County Administrator BCC DISTRICT: 3 STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Request approval to purchase property across from the Brackin Building in Crestview, commonly known as the old Piggly Wiggly site. BACKGROUND: The property is approximately one-half acre located on the corner of Beech Ave. and Wilson St. in the City of Crestview. It is immediately across the street from the Brackin Building and approximately one block from the County Courthouse. With the relocation of the Tax Collector’s and Property Appraiser’s offices to the Brackin Building, along with additional Clerk of Court’s staff relocation, parking has become inadequate during peak business hours. Once improved, this property would provide additional parking to the Brackin Building and the County Courthouse. A 12,000 square foot building, formerly the Piggly Wiggly grocery store, currently sits in disrepair on the parcel. This building would be demolished, and the City of Crestview, through their Community Redevelopment Agency, has indicated a willingness to contribute $37,500 towards the redevelopment of the parcel. A formal appraisal was completed in October, 2015, with a final value opinion of $210,000. The appraisal did not separately value the land and the building, but noted the building was in extremely poor condition and the valuation assumed the property would continue to be usable after mold remediation. Accordingly, staff was able to negotiate a discounted selling price of $195,900 through agreement to provide seller with an IRS letter of donation for the difference between the appraisal and the selling price. The seller has also requested to place a memorial plaque in honor of Judge Gillis E. Powell Sr. upon completion of the project. County funds for this purchase have been identified through general fund savings for employee health insurance that was fully budgeted prior to the development of the stipend alternative program (Health Reimbursement Account). OPTIONS: Approve/Disapprove RECOMMENDATIONS: 1) Recommend approval for the Chairman to execute the Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Improved Land. 2) Recommend approval for the Chairman to execute any other documents necessary for the closing of the purchase. 3) Recommend redirection of purchase and closing costs from excess budgeted health insurance premiums in the general fund. RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: John Hofstad, County Administrator